The Golden State Warriors were committed to keeping Jordan Poole… until they weren’t.
The Golden State Warriors preceded Thursday night’s NBA Draft with a blockbuster trade for Chris Paul. In return, the Washington Wizards will receive Jordan Poole and two future picks.
Both sides are winners at first glance. The Wizards get younger and turn Paul’s expiring contract into an extremely talented (if flawed) young guard who can really test the limits of his skill set as Washington’s de facto No. 1 option. For Golden State, Poole’s long-term money is off the books and Paul is a short-term upgrade in the backcourt — a bona fide basketball genius who can set the table for Stephen Curry and Klay Thomspon.
The Warriors, however, may have done Poole a bit dirty on his way out the door.
New Golden State Warriors GM told Jordan Poole he wouldn’t be traded, then traded him
Mike Dunleavy says he plans to have Jordan Poole around for "four more years, at least."
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) June 19, 2023
Mike Dunleavy Jr., who only recently took over the GM mantle for Golden State following Bob Myers’ long-awaited departure, told reporters *checks notes* three days ago that Poole would be with the Warriors for the duration of his pricey contract extension.
Well, if ever there was a good example of the cutthroat nature of NBA business. Poole was an important part of the Warriors’ championship run in 2022 but he struggled mightily in his follow-up season and, to make matters worse, he got punched in the face by Draymond Green, which set the Warriors’ historic synergy and cohesion all out of wack. That wasn’t his fault per se, but it’s a factor in these decisions nonetheless.
Poole now gets a prime opportunity to revive his career in Washington. For all the justified criticism Poole received during Golden State’s far-too-brief postseason run, he’s a 24-year-old with uncommonly twitchy handles and dynamic shooting touch that he honed alongside two of the best shooting guards in NBA history. If the Wizards are patient and can surround Poole with the right pieces, there is absolutely a path to Poole playing productive, winning basketball.
Golden State is no doubt happy to be free of Poole’s contract and to get CP3. Even at this advanced stage in his career, Paul is a tremendous leader who understands the game on a level few others have reached. Whether he’s in charge of the second unit or starting next to Curry in the backcourt, expect Paul to add useful wrinkles to Steve Kerr’s offense.
The moral of the story here: never believe NBA GMs. Remember when all the Sixers could talk about is how much they wanted Ben Simmons back? They were lying through their teeth. It happens all the time. Poole will forever have his ring and forever have a part in Golden State lore, but this move should benefit both parties. If only the Warriors were more upfront about their intentions.