Jordan Poole’s Pelicans Stint Already on the Rocks as Trade Deadline Looms
The Jordan Poole roller coaster has officially pulled into its next station-and it’s looking like a short stop in New Orleans.
After a turbulent tenure in Washington that featured flashes of offensive brilliance mixed with head-scratching inefficiency, the Pelicans took a swing on Poole this season. But it hasn’t taken long for the franchise to realize what the Wizards already knew: the highs might be entertaining, but the lows can be costly-and they rarely translate to wins.
Now, with the NBA trade deadline fast approaching, New Orleans is reportedly already looking to move on.
A Familiar Pattern
Poole’s second year in Washington was, on paper, a step forward. He went from being benched late in his first season by interim head coach Brian Keefe to starting at point guard and serving as the team’s primary ball handler.
The Wizards did what they could to mask his inconsistencies, and at times, it worked. But the underlying issues-shot selection, decision-making, and defensive lapses-never really went away.
So when the Pelicans saw an opportunity to get younger in the backcourt and move off the expiring contract of CJ McCollum, they jumped at the chance to bring in Poole. Washington, eager to offload Poole’s hefty contract, didn’t hesitate.
Fast forward to now, and the results haven’t been pretty.
Production Slipping, Patience Wearing Thin
Poole is currently in the midst of the worst statistical season of his career, averaging 14.5 points, 3.1 assists, and 1.8 rebounds per game while shooting just 37.0% from the field and 33.6% from deep. Those numbers aren’t just underwhelming-they’re alarming for a player expected to be a key piece in New Orleans’ backcourt rotation.
The Pelicans have responded accordingly, pulling Poole from the rotation entirely. He’s logged back-to-back DNP-CDs (Did Not Play - Coach’s Decision), a clear signal that the team is preparing to move on. According to reports, they’re actively shopping him ahead of the deadline.
Why It’s Not Working
Poole has always been a player who can light it up in a hurry-he’s got a tight handle, deep range, and the confidence to pull up from anywhere. But with that comes risk.
His shot selection can veer into reckless territory, and his decision-making often leaves teammates and coaches frustrated. Defensively, he’s been a liability, and that’s putting it mildly.
In Golden State, those flaws were easier to stomach. Surrounded by all-time greats like Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green-and playing under Steve Kerr’s structured system-Poole had the freedom to be himself without derailing the team’s overall success. But even there, his desire for a bigger role eventually clashed with the team’s direction, leading to his departure.
Washington tried to make it work. So did New Orleans. But the same issues keep surfacing: inefficient shooting, questionable decisions, and a playing style that doesn’t always mesh with winning basketball.
What’s Next?
The Pelicans are clearly signaling that Poole isn’t part of their long-term plans, and it’s hard to blame them. With a roster built around Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, New Orleans needs complementary pieces who can play within a system, defend their position, and make the right reads. Right now, Poole isn’t checking those boxes.
That doesn’t mean he’s without value-there will always be teams intrigued by his scoring potential and ability to heat up in a hurry. But any team taking him on will have to weigh that upside against the challenges that come with it, not to mention the sizable contract still on the books.
As the trade deadline approaches, the Jordan Poole saga enters its next chapter. Whether he finds a new home or remains in limbo, one thing is clear: the Pelicans are ready to move on.