The New Orleans Pelicans acquired Jordan Poole via trade with the Washington Wizards in the offseason, signaling the beginning of a new era in New Orleans. With Poole becoming a part of the team’s core, the Pelicans boasted the potential to be a competitive team heading into the 2025-26 season.
Now, 56 games later and with a 15-41 record, with the Pelicans falling short of expectations, and Jordan Poole receiving his 10th consecutive DNP, the guard’s time in the Big Easy could be coming to an abrupt end.
For the 2025-26 season, Poole has appeared in 28 games, averaging 14.5 points and 3.1 assists per game while shooting 37.0% from the field and 33.6% from three-point range. While these are solid figures for a role player, considering that he has a cap hit of $31.8 million this season and has career averages of 16.7 points and 3.7 assists per game, it is clear that he is underperforming.
The 26-year-old guard last appeared in a game against the Memphis Grizzlies in January. Since then, the former NBA champion has found himself out of the rotation as the Pelicans gear up for a rebuild.
Given that the team already possesses talented pieces like Trey Murphy III, Derik Queen, and Jeremiah Fears, many players on the roster have become dispensable.
Given his current situation, Jordan Poole doesn’t factor into the team’s future. While players such as Zion Williamson may still have value as trade pieces in the offseason, Poole may be at risk of becoming a potential buyout candidate in the immediate context.
Should The Pelicans Consider Buying Out Jordan Poole?
Jordan Poole’s contract is one of the more expensive ones on New Orleans’ payroll. Aside from Williamson, who has a cap hit of $39.4 million this year, Poole is the second-highest-paid player on the team.
In addition to this, the 26-year-old has a sizable $34.0 million player option for the 2026-27 season. Given New Orleans’ rebuilding plans, keeping such an expensive contract on the payroll would only restrict the team’s chances of acquiring talented free agents.
Realistically, to support the Pelicans’ prospects of structuring a rebuild, buying out Jordan Poole’s contract may be the best move forward. Although the amount he is due to earn is considerable, especially when factoring in the entire amount he is owed next season, by stretching the cap hit over a period of time, New Orleans may find it easier to manage the situation.
Optimistically, the Pelicans could also explore the trade market to gauge the trade interest in the 26-year-old. However, considering the gradual dip in his offensive production, the Pelicans may not be able to gain much from a potential deal.
The circumstances surrounding Jordan Poole are quite unfavorable, especially in light of his potential. Still, the buyout market may present an opportunity for Poole to find some takers.
As a gifted scorer with perimeter shooting upside, teams around the league may consider him as a reliable option to bolster their second unit. With teams such as the Boston Celtics, the Philadelphia 76ers, and the Minnesota Timberwolves seeking low-cost upgrades, Poole may be in demand if he is eventually bought out this year.
