WASHINGTON, D.C. — While conventional wisdom says not to read too much into the preseason, the Washington Wizards ' first two exhibition games suggest that they made the right moves over the summer.

In addition to drafting Texas guard Tre Johnson, Illinois forward Will Riley, and Florida State guard Jamir Watkins, the Wizards traded guard Jordan Poole and forward Saddiq Bey to the New Orleans Pelicans for a package including guard CJ McCollum. Dealing the 26-year-old Poole right after he set the franchise single-season three-point record for a 34-year-old on an expiring contract isn't a sexy return on paper, but it makes sense for Washington.

Poole and Bey are under contract through 2027, so shedding them cleared the team's books for the 2026 offseason. The Wizards will be $140.2 m

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