Jordan Poole’s Future in New Orleans: Pelicans Reportedly Open to Trade Talks Ahead of Deadline
Jordan Poole’s time in New Orleans might be shorter than expected. With the Feb. 5 trade deadline looming, the 26-year-old guard has reportedly been made available in trade discussions, according to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line. It’s the latest chapter in what’s been a turbulent stretch for Poole since his breakout with the Warriors.
Let’s rewind a bit. After his stint in Golden State ended two and a half years ago, Poole spent two seasons with the Washington Wizards, putting up numbers on a team that struggled to win games.
This past summer, he landed in New Orleans as part of the CJ McCollum trade. There was some optimism that a change of scenery and a more competitive environment could help him find his footing again.
But so far, things haven’t quite clicked.
Poole’s Performance: A Rollercoaster Ride
This season, Poole is averaging 14.8 points per game-his lowest mark since his second year in the league. He’s shooting just 37.3% from the field and 33.8% from deep, and he’s started only six of the 27 games he’s played.
For a player in the third year of a four-year, $128 million extension, that’s not the kind of production you want to see. He’s making $31.8 million this season and is set to earn $34 million next year, which makes his contract a tough sell for teams looking to add efficient scoring or veteran leadership.
The inconsistency has been glaring. Just this month, Poole has run the full spectrum-he’s had two scoreless outings, but also put up a 21-point performance on 7-of-11 shooting (including 6-of-8 from three) in a loss to the Magic.
That was his most efficient game of 2026 so far, and one of only two times he’s hit the 21-point mark this year. On the flip side, he shot 4-of-17 from the field and 0-of-7 from three in a recent loss to the Pistons.
That kind of volatility makes it tough for coaches to rely on him, and even tougher for front offices to justify his price tag.
Where Do the Pelicans Go From Here?
The Pelicans are in a bit of a crossroads. They’ve got a talented young core-Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen are names to watch-and they’re reportedly not entertaining offers for key pieces like Trey Murphy III, Herb Jones, or Zion Williamson. That suggests the front office still sees a clear direction, even if the road’s been a little bumpier than expected.
New Orleans gave up a 2026 unprotected first-round pick to Atlanta on draft night, signaling they expected to be competitive this season. But with Poole missing time due to a quad injury and struggling to find consistency when healthy, that vision hasn’t quite materialized.
It’s worth noting: this isn’t about blaming Poole for all of the Pelicans’ issues. Injuries, lineup shuffling, and the natural learning curve of a young roster have all played a role. But Poole’s fit-both on the court and on the books-is clearly under scrutiny.
Trade Market Outlook
Poole’s contract complicates things. He’s still young, and his scoring potential is real-just ask anyone who watched him during Golden State’s 2022 title run.
But he hasn’t shown that same spark in over a year, and his current production doesn’t match his salary. That makes finding a trade partner tricky unless a team is willing to take a swing on upside or sees him as a reclamation project.
Whether or not the Pelicans can move Poole before the deadline remains to be seen. Teams are always looking for scoring, but they’re also wary of big contracts attached to inconsistent players. If a deal does happen, it’ll likely be more about long-term cap flexibility or acquiring assets than an immediate on-court upgrade.
For now, New Orleans appears to be listening. And with the deadline just around the corner, we’ll find out soon whether Jordan Poole’s time with the Pelicans is nearing its end-or if he gets one more shot to prove he can still be a difference-maker.