The New Orleans Pelicans’ 2025-26 campaign has unraveled in just about every way imaginable. Sitting at 13-37 through 50 games, this season has been less of a stumble and more of a full-on collapse. And while underperformance has been a team-wide issue, no situation feels more uncertain-or more emblematic of the team’s struggles-than that of Jordan Poole.
Poole was the Pelicans’ marquee offseason addition, coming off a career year in Washington that had many expecting him to step in as a dynamic offensive weapon and starting point guard. Instead, 28 games into his New Orleans tenure, he’s been benched for three straight contests-most recently against Memphis-and the writing appears to be on the wall. His future with the Pelicans is murky at best, and with the trade deadline just days away, it’s fair to wonder if we’ve already seen his last game in a Pelicans uniform.
A Role That’s Shrunk, and a Game That Hasn’t Grown
Let’s be clear: the expectations for Poole weren’t modest. He was brought in to be a key piece, a lead ball handler and scoring option who could help elevate the Pelicans’ offense.
But through 28 games, the production simply hasn’t matched the billing. He’s averaging 14.5 points, 3.1 assists, and 1.8 rebounds per game-numbers that might look serviceable at a glance, but don’t hold up under the microscope when you factor in efficiency.
Poole is shooting just 37.0% from the field and 33.6% from beyond the arc-well below league average for a guard expected to carry a significant offensive load.
To be fair, his season got off on the wrong foot early. An injury in his eighth game sidelined him for 17 straight, and any momentum he might have been building was lost.
But we’re now 25 games removed from that absence, and there’s been little sign of him finding his rhythm. The shots haven’t fallen, the decision-making has been inconsistent, and his defensive limitations have made it tough for head coach Willie Green to justify keeping him on the floor for extended stretches.
The result? Poole’s role has shrunk to the point of disappearance.
A third straight DNP isn’t just a coaching decision-it’s a message. And with the trade deadline looming, that message is loud and clear: the Pelicans are ready to move on.
Contract Complications and Trade Deadline Realities
Poole’s on-court struggles are only part of the equation. His contract adds another layer of complexity. He’s owed over $30 million next season, and for a team that’s already looking to retool, that kind of financial commitment to a player who’s fallen out of the rotation is a tough pill to swallow.
That’s where things get tricky. If the Pelicans want to move Poole, it might take more than just a phone call.
They could be looking at having to include a draft pick or a young player as a sweetener to get a deal done. It’s not the ideal scenario, but given how far Poole’s stock has dropped-and where the team is headed-it may be the only realistic path forward.
The Pelicans aren’t just trying to salvage Poole’s season; they’re trying to recalibrate their roster and reset their direction. With the team spiraling and the playoffs out of reach, clearing cap space and opening up rotation minutes for younger players could be the priority.
What Comes Next?
There’s still time before the February 5th trade deadline, but the window is closing fast. And if the last week is any indication, the Pelicans have already made their decision. Poole is out of the rotation, the front office is working the phones, and all signs point to a parting of ways.
It’s a tough turn for a player who came in with high hopes, and for a team that believed he could be a difference-maker. But in the NBA, situations can change quickly-and when production doesn’t meet expectations, change often follows.
Whether Poole finds a new home before the deadline or not, it’s hard to imagine his future in New Orleans extending much further. The fit hasn’t worked, the numbers haven’t justified the role, and both sides may be better off with a fresh start.