The New Orleans Pelicans are exploring the trade market for Jordan Poole as they look to reshape the roster around new head coach Jamahl Mosley.
Evan Sidery reported Saturday that the Pelicans are shopping Poole’s $34 million expiring contract in trade discussions while targeting a win-now player. The move would give New Orleans an opportunity to turn a large short-term salary slot into a more reliable veteran piece.
Poole joined the Pelicans in 2025 and appeared in 39 games during the 2025-26 season, averaging 13.4 points, 3.1 assists and 2.0 rebounds in 23.9 minutes per game. He shot 37.2% from the field, 33.3% from three-point range on 7.4 attempts per game, and posted an effective field goal percentage of 48.0%.
The scoring profile showed Poole’s biggest value remains as a perimeter shot creator, but his role fluctuated throughout the season. He started only eight games while the Pelicans leaned more heavily on Trey Murphy III, Zion Williamson, Saddiq Bey and young guard Jeremiah Fears.
Murphy led New Orleans with 21.5 points per game while shooting 37.9% from three on 8.6 attempts per night. Williamson averaged 21.0 points on 60.0% shooting, and Bey added 17.7 points per game. The Pelicans also developed Fears, who averaged 14.3 points, 3.4 assists and started 49 games as a rookie.
With several young players already in place, New Orleans appears focused on improving its immediate competitiveness. The Pelicans finished the 2025-26 season 26-56, ranking 11th in the Western Conference and missing the playoffs. Their 9-32 road record highlighted the team’s struggles outside New Orleans.
