For a franchise that consistently challenged for NBA titles in the 1970s, the Washington Wizards’ long slide to the bottom of the standings has been tough to watch. Jordan Poole was supposed to bring new life to the team when he arrived two years ago, but the experiment hasn’t gone as planned. With the 2025 NBA Draft just weeks away, Washington could be gearing up for another major reset.
Once again, the Wizards are in a familiar position: looking for direction. A potential rebuild may mean sending away one of their biggest names, as Poole’s time in D.C. could be nearing its end.
Wizards May Move On From Jordan Poole
A trade involving Poole might help the Wizards turn the page. Shipping him out could allow them to load up on draft capital and focus on developing young talent. With the draft on the horizon, Washington has a few players reportedly on its radar—Khaman Maluach, Jeremiah Fears, and Nolan Traoré among them.
According to NBA Big Board’s Rafael Barlowe, there’s league-wide speculation that Poole could be traded on draft night or sometime this summer. “Also worth noting — around the league, there’s growing belief that Jordan Poole could be moved, either on draft night or later this summer,” Barlowe said. “That potential shakeup adds another layer to Washington’s draft strategy and could open up a path for a new backcourt face.”
The Washington Wizards could reportedly trade Jordan Poole, per @Barlowe500
“Also worth noting — around the league, there’s growing belief that Jordan Poole could be moved, either on draft night or later this summer. That potential shake-up adds another layer to Washington’s… pic.twitter.com/QGcAfoKz3t
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 11, 2025
Poole averaged 18.8 points while shooting 42.2% from the field in his two seasons with the Wizards, attempting over 15 shots per game. But the efficiency hasn’t matched the expectations. Poole is on a four-year, $128 million contract, according to Spotrac, and is set to earn around $31.8 million next season.
For that price tag, Washington needs more production. That’s why a trade makes sense, especially with the franchise looking to reset around younger pieces. Their top pick from the 2024 draft, Alex Sarr, is one of those players the team sees as a foundational piece.
Barlowe also mentioned Khaman Maluach as a possible fit for Washington’s frontcourt alongside Sarr.
Could Khaman Maluach Anchor the Paint in D.C.?
Sarr showed promise as a rookie, even if his skill set comes with some quirks. He launched 5.1 threes per game and often drifted to the perimeter, making it tough to lock down the paint defensively. While he has offensive upside, he might be better suited playing alongside a true center.
That’s where Maluach comes in. The 7-foot-2 Duke product averaged 8.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game last season. He’s not a flashy scorer, but he does the dirty work inside—something Washington has lacked.
At 250 pounds, Maluach has the size and strength to hold his ground in the paint. While he has the mobility to step out on occasion, his primary value lies in protecting the rim and crashing the glass. With his long wingspan and defensive instincts, he’d be a great complement to Sarr in the frontcourt.
If the Wizards bring in Maluach and shift Poole, it could mark the start of a more focused rebuild. The franchise has been stuck at the bottom for years, and it’s clear they need a new identity. Building around Sarr and Maluach could finally give them a foundation to work with.
Poole, on the other hand, seems poised for a fresh start elsewhere.
