The New Orleans Pelicans made a surprising move

In an unexpected move, the New Orleans Pelicans traded Jordan Poole, Saddiq Bey, and the 40th pick to the Washington Wizards in exchange for CJ McCollum, Kelly Olynyk, and a future second-round pick.

As the trade provides New Orleans with a primary ball handler to cover for Dejounte Murray as he heals from his Achilles injury, Kelly Olynyk's departure creates a noticeable vacancy at backup centre. It is clear that the Pelicans must prioritise adding size given the NBA draft today and the imminence of free agency. In the last few years, New Orleans has already had trouble with rim defence and rebounding. The Pelicans are losing a danger in floor spacing, a capable rim defender, and a reliable playmaker off the bench with Olynyk's departure. The fact that New Orleans now only has two centres under contract is concerning.