Ex-Warriors Champion Looking to Change Scenery With Pelicans Amid Horrid Start

Jordan Poole appears open to a fresh start in New Orleans after a difficult first season with the Pelicans and a 0-4 start to the 2026-27 campaign. While the team continues searching for its first win, a recent report suggests Poole may already be considering opportunities elsewhere.

“Sources say Jordan Poole has told the Pelicans he would be open to opportunities elsewhere," Shamit Dua of In The No wrote. "His preference raises a broader question about how many of the team's veterans see their long-term future in New Orleans."

The report adds another layer to what has already been a disappointing stretch for the franchise. One week into the new season, the Pelicans remain winless at 0-4, continuing the struggles that carried over from last year.

Former Warriors guard Jordan Poole has found himself in a limited role since arriving in New Orleans. He appeared in just 39 games for the Pelicans last season, and through the opening stretch of this year is averaging 6.0 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game.

Those numbers are a sharp contrast from some of the most productive seasons of his career. Poole averaged 20.4 points and 4.5 assists during the 2022-23 season with Golden State and later posted 20.5 points and 4.5 assists with the Washington Wizards in 2024-25.

Potential Landing Spots for Jordan Poole

While the situation in New Orleans continues to develop, several teams could emerge as potential fits should Poole become available.

The Chicago Bulls are one possibility. Entering the season, Chicago ranked last in the NBA in three-point percentage at 23.8%, and Poole's career 34.3% mark from beyond the arc could help address that weakness.

The Miami Heat could also make sense. Despite adding Giannis Antetokounmpo, Miami has opened the season 0-4.

Poole's scoring resume could make him an intriguing option alongside the former MVP. He has proven capable of creating his own shot, pushing the pace, and providing perimeter scoring when given a larger offensive role.

The Sacramento Kings may represent another potential destination. Fadeaway World's Nico Martinez argued that Poole could "make a powerful running mate for Zach LaVine" while also serving as a veteran presence for promising rookie Darius Acuff Jr.

Martinez also suggested the Pelicans could receive useful pieces in return if they ultimately move Poole. Potential trade packages could include players such as Nikola Jovic or Klay Thompson from Miami, Malik Monk or Nique Clifford from Sacramento, or Isaac Okoro and Buddy Hield from Chicago.

Any return package would likely be evaluated based on whether it helps New Orleans improve roster depth, manage salary commitments, or accelerate its rebuilding efforts.

For now, however, any trade conversations remain speculative. Poole's immediate focus is recovering from the ankle issue expected to sideline him for the Pelicans' next game against the Denver Nuggets as he waits to see what comes next.