The Washington Wizards' decision to trade guard Jordan Poole to the New Orleans Pelicans as part of a four-player deal that acquired veteran sharpshooter CJ McCollum reportedly stemmed from the team's desire to improve both in the short term and the long term.

Jordan Poole, Saddiq Bey and the No. 40 pick in this week’s draft will go to the Pelicans for CJ McCollum, Kelly Olynyk and a 2027 second-round pick.