This summer could see some notable change for the Golden State Warriors roster, and that could include Jordan Poole seeing his tenure with the team end via a trade.
While Jordan Poole had career highs in certain statistical categories, this was still a disappointing and frustrating season for the 23-year-old guard. On the heels of signing a life-changing four-year, $128 million contract, he saw his standing in the locker room forever changed when he was on the wrong end of an infamous punch thrown by teammate Draymond Green.
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The incident seemed to set the team and Poole on a bad path for their 2022-2023 campaign. Yes, Jordan Poole averaged the most points, assists, and free throw attempts of his career this season. However, his field goal, three-point, and free-throw shooting percentages were all down, and his turnovers were up. Those are numbers that can have a major effect on a team when they come from a key player.
The declining stats and some notable rough patches during the playoffs changed the narrative on the talented guard and have made some wonder if he is now expendable after a letdown season for the team, and a payroll that is only growing.
If the Golden State Warriors did decide their future would be improved by moving Jordan Poole, there would certainly be suitors for the gifted scorer. With that in mind, let’s take a look at four teams that could potentially pursue Poole if he was put on the trade block.
Orlando Magic
The Orlando Magic showed the potential upside in their roster last season by scoring several surprising upsets, including three wins over the Boston Celtics. However, they were still a lottery team and have a major need for a shooter and scoring guard. Jordan Poole could fill both needs in one shot.
What makes them a potential fit for a trade is the Magic have the cap space to take on Poole’s contract without sending players back, and they could offer the eleventh pick in the draft as compensation and give the Warriors two picks in the top 20 of the 2023 NBA Draft.
Utah Jazz
The Utah Jazz showed a lot of promise last season under new head coach Will Hardy. If the organization wanted to accelerate their rebuild they could make a move to acquire Poole and hope Hardy can help elevate his game just like he did for Lauri Markkanen.
Furthermore, if the Jazz lost Jordan Clarkson in NBA free agency, it adds a need on the roster that Poole can fill while also being an upgrade. Like the Magic, they have the cap space to take on his contract and could offer the ninth or 16th selection in the draft as compensation.
- Jordan Poole stats (’22-’23): 20.4 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 4.5 APG, 34% 3PT %
Golden State could slash their salary tax payments in a major way while also getting a young player to develop on a cheap deal.
Miami Heat
The Miami Heat could stun the basketball world and beat the Denver Nuggets, which would then mean big moves in the offseason are less likely. However, if they come up short as many expect, Poole could be the scoring punch they have long been looking for but without the max contract price of a superstar.
A deal that includes Tyler Herro going back in return could be fair compensation for the Warriors in a potential deal.
Oklahoma City Thunder
The Oklahoma City Thunder have the salary cap space and draft assets to get the Warriors’ attention. Oklahoma City needs more help for young superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and a potential move could send Josh Giddey to the bench to strengthen that unit. Which all means a starting five that includes, SGA, Chet Holmgren, and Jordan Poole. That is certainly something that could get OKC back to the postseason in 2024.