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The Wizards’ Poole-McCollum trade looks great in hindsight, but Saddiq Bey’s departure still stings

The Wizards made out well in the Poole-McCollum deal, but Saddiq Bey could have been the perfect complementary piece for their new-look team.

By Ethan Kinney · Wiz of Awes

Published: Wednesday, 14 October 2026 at 11:00 PM

Key Things to Know

Writer Ethan Kinney argues that parting with Saddiq Bey in the Jordan Poole trade remains a regret for Washington.
Washington previously traded Jordan Poole and Saddiq Bey to New Orleans for CJ McCollum and Kelly Olynyk.
The writer believes Bey would thrive as the primary sixth man on the current Wizards roster.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Ethan Kinney of Wiz of Awes argues that while the Washington Wizards clearly won their trade sending Jordan Poole and Saddiq Bey to the New Orleans Pelicans for CJ McCollum and Kelly Olynyk, parting with Bey remains a regret. The writer asserts that Bey would serve as an ideal fit and a Sixth Man of the Year candidate on Washington's current roster.

Bey never played for the Wizards after signing a three-year, $20 million contract while rehabbing an ACL injury. In New Orleans, Bey averaged 17.7 points and 5.6 rebounds before signing a three-year, $55.5 million extension.

Read the full article on Wiz of Awes

The Wizards’ Poole-McCollum trade looks great in hindsight, but Saddiq Bey’s departure still stings

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