This offseason marked a significant change for Jordan Poole as he made the move from the Golden State Warriors to the Washington Wizards in exchange for Chris Paul. For Washington, this trade held the promise of initiating a new era, with Poole expected to evolve into an All-Star caliber player and lead a team entirely his own for the first time in his career.
However, upon arriving in the nation’s capital and assuming the role of the franchise face with a hefty four-year, $128 million contract, expectations soared. The anticipation was that Poole would elevate his game to new heights. Yet, the reality paints a different picture – Poole did not kick off the season at the anticipated level, and the Wizards are reportedly open to the possibility of trading him before the deadline.Â
Consequently, five potential destinations have emerged as plausible scenarios for a Jordan Poole trade in this campaign.
5. Charlotte Hornets
Washington Wizards receive: Terry Rozier, James Bouknight, 2026 first-round pick
Charlotte Hornets receive: Jordan Poole
In a hypothetical trade scenario, the dynamics between Jordan Poole and Terry Rozier are worth examining closely. Jordan Poole, currently averaging 15.5 points, 3.7 assists, and 2.5 rebounds per game, has shown promise but may face challenges meeting expectations in Washington. The potential pairing with LaMelo Ball could impact Poole’s playing style, potentially limiting the freedom he currently enjoys. It remains to be seen how Poole’s game would evolve in this new environment, and whether the transition would positively or negatively affect his shooting percentages of 39.2% from the field and 27.8% from beyond the arc.
Conversely, the Charlotte Hornets, with a trade for Poole, would introduce a promising addition to their roster. Terry Rozier, boasting averages of 22.0 points, 5.0 assists, and 4.0 rebounds per game, offers an impressive blend of scoring and playmaking. Acquiring Jordan Poole would create a dynamic young backcourt duo alongside LaMelo Ball, potentially setting the stage for a formidable partnership. With Rozier already in his late twenties, and the uncertain future of James Bouknight, Poole could represent a strategic investment for the Hornets.
For the Washington Wizards, the inclusion of Terry Rozier brings a seasoned veteran presence to their roster, addressing immediate needs. Rozier’s notable efficiency, shooting at 46.7% from the field, could provide stability to a team that may be struggling with cohesion. The additional acquisition of James Bouknight, along with a 2026 first-round pick, adds both a promising prospect and future assets to the Wizards’ arsenal, offering potential long-term benefits.
The proposed trade offers strategic benefits for both teams. Washington aims to address immediate needs with the addition of Terry Rozier while securing future assets. Charlotte, in acquiring Jordan Poole, looks to fortify its backcourt for the long term, creating an exciting dynamic with LaMelo Ball. The success of the trade will hinge on how well each player adapts to their new roles and contributes to the success of their respective teams.
4. Miami Heat
Washington Wizards receive: Kyle Lowry, Nikola Jovic, 2027 first-round pick
Miami Heat receive: Jordan Poole
In this scenario, the Miami Heat would acquire Jordan Poole in exchange for Kyle Lowry, Nikola Jovic, and a 2027 first-round pick to add another scoring option to their roster, which needs greater scoring output to sustain its performance, currently placing them fourth in the Eastern Conference.
Kyle Lowry, currently averaging 6.9 points, 4.7 assists, and 4.0 rebounds, joined the Heat as a star addition in his later years, but he has not lived up to the initial expectations. Given this disappointment, trading him has always been an option, and perhaps Washington is a team that truly needs him. Moreover, with Jaime Jaquez’s current level of play, Nikola Jovic’s minutes have become less valuable and could be a valuable piece to complete the trade.
Jordan Poole could arrive at the Heat and serve as an instant scorer alongside other stars like Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. In his time with the Warriors, Poole showcased his best version as a second or third option behind the big stars and could fulfill a similar role with the Heat perfectly. Tyler Herro, averaging 22.9 points this season, could come off the bench and excel as the Sixth Man, a role where he previously stood out, earning him an end-of-season award in that category.
The Washington Wizards would gain an experienced point guard in Kyle Lowry, something crucial given the team’s current dysfunctionality. Additionally, Jovic, averaging 6.5 points with 7.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists, albeit in only two games this season, adds an intriguing piece. Furthermore, the future first-round pick ensures that the Wizards would have an extra asset for the upcoming seasons if Jovic doesn’t fully integrate into the team.
3. Memphis Grizzlies
Washington Wizards receive: Luke Kennard, Brandon Clarke, 2024 first-round pick (via Suns), 2026 first-round pick
Memphis Grizzlies receive: Jordan Poole
Jordan Poole, contributing 15.5 points, 3.7 assists, and 2.5 rebounds per game, showcases shooting percentages of 39.2% from the field and 27.8% from beyond the arc. Luke Kennard, with averages of 8.3 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game, demonstrates proficiency with a 37.0% success rate from three-point range. Brandon Clarke’s statistics are currently unavailable as he is working his way back from a torn Achilles tendon.
Amidst Ja Morant’s ongoing suspension due to incidents involving firearms, the Memphis Grizzlies find themselves in need of a scoring point guard to complement Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. Jordan Poole could fill this void effectively, providing scoring and playmaking until Morant’s return. Once Morant is back, Poole could seamlessly transition into the role of a high-scoring Sixth Man off the bench, addressing a scoring deficiency that Memphis currently faces.
At 24 years old, Poole aligns well with Memphis’s young core, featuring Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, Jaren Jackson Jr, Santi Aldama, Kenny Lofton, and Jake LaRavia, among others. His skill set and age make him a valuable addition to Memphis’s rebuilding project, providing additional offensive firepower.
For the Wizards, the trade brings in Luke Kennard, an elite perimeter shooter, and Brandon Clarke, a productive player when fully recovered. This move also allows the Wizards to shed the $128 million contract of Poole. Kennard’s sharpshooting and Clarke’s versatility could contribute to addressing Washington’s needs, and the future first-round picks add valuable assets for the team’s long-term plans.
Memphis, currently sitting at 3-9 in the bottom of the Western Conference, is in dire need of competitiveness. Despite having a strong defensive core with Jaren Jackson Jr., Desmond Bane, Marcus Smart, and the injured Steven Adams, the Grizzlies lack offensive efficiency. Poole’s scoring ability could thrive in Memphis’s more structured system, providing the offensive boost the team desperately needs to climb the ranks in the competitive Western Conference.
2. New York Knicks
Washington Wizards receive: Jordan Poole
New York Knicks receive: Evan Fournier, Quentin Grimes, 2024 first-round pick (via Wizards)
In the proposed trade, the Washington Wizards would acquire Jordan Poole, while the New York Knicks would receive Evan Fournier, Quentin Grimes, and a 2024 first-round pick from the Wizards.
If Jordan Poole were to join the New York Knicks, he would find himself surrounded by a more structured culture and potentially better teammates. This change could provide a conducive environment for Poole to refine his shot selection and decision-making, areas where he has room for improvement, as indicated by his 39.2% shooting from the field and 27.8% from beyond the arc this season. The Knicks’ established system might help Poole enhance his efficiency and contribute more effectively on the offensive end.
The addition of Jordan Poole to the Knicks would give them two scoring guards alongside Immanuel Quickley. This duo could provide a substantial scoring boost in the backcourt, allowing for a flexible rotation. One guard, possibly Quickley or Poole, could start alongside Jalen Brunson, offering a potent offensive combination. The other could then serve as a scoring spark off the bench without compromising the team’s emphasis on scoring throughout the game.
On the Knicks’ end, Evan Fournier has seen limited playing time, and it remains uncertain whether he has a significant role in the team’s plans. Quentin Grimes, however, has showcased promise as a solid shooter with the potential to evolve into a secondary playmaker. With Grimes’ stat line, averaging 8.1 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game, along with a solid 39.7% from beyond the arc, the Wizards acquire a young talent with evident potential for growth.
The inclusion of a 2024 first-round pick further bolsters the Wizards’ gains in this trade, providing them with an additional asset for the current season. This is particularly valuable for Washington, given their current position as the second-worst team in the Eastern Conference. With this pick back, Washington would guarantee themselves of having their own pick this season (which is protected from 1-to-12 in the Lottery) and not giving the Knicks their 2025 pick, if it doesn’t convey this offseason, so they could rest assured that they’d have draft selections both years.
1. New Orleans Pelicans
Washington Wizards receive: Larry Nance, Dyson Daniels, Kira Lewis, Jordan Hawkins
New Orleans Pelicans receive: Jordan Poole
The proposed trade between the Washington Wizards and the New Orleans Pelicans is a strategic move that could reshape the dynamics of both teams. In this hypothetical scenario, the Wizards would receive Larry Nance, Dyson Daniels, Kira Lewis, and Jordan Hawkins, while the Pelicans would acquire Jordan Poole.
Larry Nance, though not a high scorer, brings valuable skills to the Wizards with an average of 4.4 rebounds and 3.8 points per game. His versatility in the frontcourt could provide additional depth to the team. Dyson Daniels, a young and promising playmaker, has showcased an impressive all-around game, averaging 8.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.8 assists. His defensive prowess and playmaking abilities could address the need for a sense of functionality and balance for the Wizards in the hardwood.
Kira Lewis, currently averaging 3.5 points, 1.6 assists, and 1.0 rebounds per game, may find a real opportunity for development in a team that is in a rebuilding phase. His potential growth could make him a valuable asset for the Wizards in the future. Jordan Hawkins, a dynamic scorer with averages of 13.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists, would step in as a replacement for Jordan Poole, offering a younger and potentially more explosive offensive threat.
On the other side of the trade, the New Orleans Pelicans would gain Jordan Poole, who, when integrated into the lineup alongside McCollum, Ingram, and Zion, could form a formidable offensive quartet. Poole’s current average of 15.5 points per game could see an uptick in efficiency and scoring opportunities with the abundance of offensive options around him.
While the Pelicans would face defensive concerns with the inclusion of Poole, they have defensive-minded players like Herb Jones, Trey Murphy, and José Alvarado who could help offset potential shortcomings. Strategically deploying lineups featuring these players could create elite defensive units to support the scoring prowess of the starting lineup.
This proposed trade seems well-balanced. The Wizards acquire a mix of young talent with potential, addressing the departure of Poole, while the Pelicans add a scoring boost in Poole and have the defensive tools to mitigate any shortcomings. This trade could prove beneficial for both teams in the long run, aligning with their respective goals and aspirations.
