If you’re still picturing Jordan Poole in that vibrant Wizards red or—even further back—launching logo threes for the Golden State Warriors, it's time for a bit of a reality check. Things move fast in the NBA. As of early 2026, Jordan Poole is on the New Orleans Pelicans.
He’s currently wearing #3 in the Big Easy.
But honestly, just knowing what team is Jordan Poole on isn't the whole story anymore. It's about how he got there and why, frankly, the vibes in New Orleans are getting a little tense lately. He arrived in the Crescent City via a massive offseason trade in the summer of 2025 that sent veteran guard CJ McCollum to Washington. At the time, the Pelicans’ front office, led by Joe Dumars, thought they were getting a younger, more dynamic spark plug to ignite their offense.
It hasn’t exactly played out like a storybook.
The Trade That Shook Up the Pelicans Backcourt
When the trade went down, it felt like a classic "change of scenery" bet. The Wizards were ready to move on from Poole’s massive contract, and the Pelicans wanted to pivot toward a slightly younger core around Zion Williamson. Along with Poole, New Orleans snagged Saddiq Bey and a pick that turned into Micah Peavy.
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On paper? Maybe it made sense. In reality? It’s been a bumpy ride.
Poole’s role has been all over the place this season. One night he’s in the starting lineup dropping 20 points, and the next he’s coming off the bench and struggling to find the rim. For example, just this January, we saw him go from a 21-point explosion against the Magic to a literal zero-point "dud" against the Wizards—the very team that traded him away.
That kind of volatility is classic Poole, but it's tough for a team trying to climb out of the Western Conference basement.
What Team is Jordan Poole On? Breaking Down the 2025-26 Season
If you're looking for the specifics of his current situation, here's the deal. Poole is effectively the Pelicans' primary "microwave" scorer, though he’s been sliding in and out of the starting five depending on who's healthy. With Trey Murphy III and Herbert Jones dealing with various injuries throughout the winter, Poole has had plenty of opportunities.
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The numbers tell a complicated story:
- Points: He’s averaging roughly 15.5 points per game.
- Efficiency: This is where it gets sticky. He's shooting about 37% from the field and 32% from three.
- Contract: He’s making $31.8 million this season and is on the books for $34 million next year.
The real kicker for Pelicans fans came just a few days ago. The Washington Wizards—Poole's old team—used the assets they got for him (specifically CJ McCollum’s expiring deal) to land Trae Young in a massive blockbuster. Watching the team you just traded with turn your "trash" into a perennial All-Star is a tough pill for any fanbase to swallow.
Why the Pelicans Experiment is Facing Scrutiny
There's no sugarcoating it: the Pelicans are struggling. They’re sitting near the bottom of the West with a record that makes the playoffs look like a distant dream. Because of that, the spotlight on Poole has become a laser beam.
Interim head coach James Borrego has been trying to find the right balance, but Poole’s defensive lapses and inconsistent shooting have made him a polarizing figure in New Orleans. While his former teammate Kevon Looney is also on the roster providing some veteran stability, the "Poole Party" hasn't quite had the same energy it had during the Warriors' 2022 title run.
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Actually, it feels a bit like a repeat of his time in D.C.
He’s still incredibly talented. You see the flashes. He can still hit a 30-footer that makes your jaw drop. But in a league that increasingly prizes efficiency and two-way play, Poole's current form is a tough fit for a team trying to build a winning culture.
What’s Next for Poole in New Orleans?
With the February trade deadline approaching, everyone is asking the same thing: will he stay or will he go? NBA insiders like Chris Haynes have reported that while the Pelicans are rebuffing offers for guys like Zion and Herb Jones, they haven't exactly put a "not for sale" sign on Poole.
The problem is the contract.
Not many teams are lining up to take on $34 million for a guard shooting under 40%. Unless New Orleans attaches draft picks to move him, he’s likely staying put in that Pelicans jersey for the foreseeable future.
If you're a fan or a fantasy manager keeping tabs on him, here is the actionable reality:
- Monitor the injury report: His minutes spike whenever Trey Murphy or Dejounte Murray (recovering from that Achilles tear) are out.
- Check the starting lineups: He performs significantly better as a starter (averaging over 17 points) than he does coming off the bench.
- Watch the trade rumors: If the Pelicans decide to lean even harder into a youth movement with rookie Jeremiah Fears, Poole’s minutes might continue to dwindle.
Jordan Poole is a Pelican for now, but in the NBA, "for now" can change with one phone call. For those tracking his career, the next few weeks leading up to the deadline will determine if he finishes the year in New Orleans or finds himself packing his bags for a fourth NBA city.