While the Golden State Warriors have several superstars and world-class players deserving of large contracts, several executives around the league think one particular deal was a big miss by the organization.
The Golden State Warriors have the current dynasty team in the NBA. Nogroup has been able to win at the level they have over the last decade. The organization has been to seven Western Conference Finals, made six trips to the NBA Finals, and won four league championships since the 2012-2013 season.
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However, in recent years, being able to maintain that level of excellence and place the brand among the elite of the sports world has gotten very expensive. Of course, the Golden State Warriors made sure to lock up their big three Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green to long-term deals over the last five years. But they also handed out a couple of nine-figure contracts to two key contributors last summer.
In giving massive long-term deals to Jordan Poole and Andrew Wiggins, the organization took their payroll to $176 million and will actually pay out over $330 million after luxury tax payments. While many feel those deals for Poole and Wiggins needed to be done, it seems some decision-makers around the league believe the Golden State Warriors made a mistake with the Poole deal.
Golden State Warriors record (’22-’23): 44-38
On Wednesday, Bleacher Report NBA insider Eric Pincus spoke to several league executives about the young guard’s $128 million extension that begins next season, and few had anything good to say about it.
“I don’t know why the Warriors rushed to overpay him. They could have given him the same money this summer. At least then, they’d know what his contract would mean to their situation. He’s earning more than Wiggins, and Wiggins is way more valuable than Poole.”
– Anonymous NBA exec
The same Eastern Conference executive called the 23-year-old “empty calories” for the Golden State Warriors roster. However, another executive really took the team to task for paying so much to a player that doesn’t have a good locker room reputation at the moment.
“He doesn’t defend, doesn’t really create for others, and that Draymond [Green fight] wasn’t a great look for either of them. The intel on Poole [and his presence in the locker room] isn’t great.”
-Anonymous NBA exec
The Golden State Warriors and the slump Jordan Poole will look to stave off elimination on Wednesday night when they face the Los Angeles Lakers down 3-1 in Game 5 of their semifinal series.