After giving talented young guard Jordan Poole a massive four-year, $128 million contract before the season, the Golden State Warriors could ponder moving him in a trade this summer.
Following a successful 2022-2023 campaign and winning an NBA title last spring, the Golden State Warriors decided to give both Jordan Poole and Andrew Wiggins huge contract extensions. The contracts were understandable because both played a pivotal run in their title run and could do so in the future. However, the deals also pushed the franchise into uncharted salary cap waters.
Related: 3 ways the Golden State Warriors can avoid elimination, continue dynasty in Game 5
Now, with the team on the brink of being bounced from the NBA playoffs by the Los Angeles Lakers, there are questions on if their huge payroll and the luxury taxes they are paying for it are worth the financial hassle. While Poole has a notable upside at just 23 years old, he is having an awful run in this year’s postseason and giving the franchise something to think about.
Poole’s field goal and three-point percentages are down double digits compared to last year’s playoffs and it has made his defensive deficiencies all the more noticeable.
Golden State Warriors record (’22-’23): 44-38
At some point, the Golden State Warriors will have to have a payroll reckoning and will need to make cuts somewhere. That could come by letting Draymond Green walk after opting out of his deal this summer or doing the same with Klay Thompson next year. However, some around the NBA have speculated that trading Poole and his massive contract could be another option.
On Wednesday, Bleacher Report NBA writer Eric Pincus spoke with several current and former executives on the idea of the Golden State Warriors possibly trading Poole. While one thought it might be difficult at this juncture, another offered up several teams that could target him, including one that their current general manager — and soon-to-be free agent — Bob Myers could take his talents to.
“Maybe Washington, especially if that’s where [Bob] Myers ends up, or Chicago. Perhaps Dallas if Kyrie Irving leaves [as a free agent]. Maybe the L.A. Clippers.”
– Anonymous former NBA executive
Another source in the league told the outlet that if the Golden State Warriors were truly motivated to trade Jordan Poole, they will definitely find interested teams who would want him. It will be a situation to watch as the team might have to decide on building the future or keeping their stars of the past and present.