Listen, I like Jordan Poole, and that is part of the reason this article exists in the first place. The growth we have seen from the twenty six year old guard out of Wisconsin has been real, and it deserves attention.
The New Orleans Pelicans currently hold the worst record in the NBA at zero and four. Even though they do not control their own first round pick, they are clearly entering a mini rebuild. The franchise is looking for answers, stability, and long term direction.
Zion Williamson remains one of the most explosive and dominant talents in the league, and the Pelicans cannot afford to waste any of his prime years. They must do everything possible to build a roster that supports him. If they do not surround him with enough help, the risk of him eventually requesting a trade becomes very real.
This is why Jordan Poole should be a serious trade target for teams that need scoring in their backcourt, including contenders like the Milwaukee Bucks or the Minnesota Timberwolves. Poole brings shot creation, shooting, and offensive punch, and he fits the mold of a guard who can elevate a team in need of perimeter scoring.
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New Orleans Pelicans Receive: F/C Naz Reid, G Rob Dillingham
Minnesota Timberwolves Receive: G Jordan Poole & 2028 NOP 1st Rounder
Jordan Poole Traded?
As promising as Jordan Poole has looked, his impact is ultimately limited when considering the bigger picture for the Pelicans. They are dealing with far more significant issues as a franchise, and while Poole is a helpful contributor, he is not the type of centerpiece they can realistically build around.
He has shown he can complement Zion Williamson and provide valuable scoring, but with a salary of thirty million dollars per season, Poole does not move the Pelicans meaningfully closer to true championship contention.
Minnesota Trade?
The most difficult part of this trade idea is determining what assets a team would need to send out to acquire a player like Jordan Poole. Rob Dillingham stands out as their most valuable trade chip and the one piece they could move without disrupting the core, but matching salaries makes the situation far more complicated.
Minnesota clearly needs another guard who can generate offense and relieve pressure from Anthony Edwards. Poole would give them a shot creator who can score at all three levels and stretch the floor as an elite spot up shooter. Donte DiVincenzo is a solid contributor, but he profiles far better as a high end bench piece. Poole, on the other hand, could slide directly into a starting role next to Edwards and give the Timberwolves a more dynamic and balanced backcourt.
Jordan Poole Stats
Through three games so far this season, Poole is averaging 20 points per game, while shooting 37.5% from three, and 3.7 assists per game. While these may seem like poor numbers, his playmaking has definitely improved as has his willingness to spread the ball.
Jordan Poole Contract
Poole is on the same contract extension that he signed with the Golden State Warriors, and his final year of his contract is next season (2026-2027) where he has a cap hit of $34 million.