Jordan Poole’s time with the Golden State Warriors is approaching the end. The 24-year-old guard is getting traded to the Washington Wizards in a deal that sends 12-time All-Star Chris Paul to Golden State. Poole’s former teammate Steph Curry believes the change of scenery will provide a fresh start.
Curry gave his first public reaction to the Golden State Warriors trading Poole. Speaking ahead of playing alongside Warriors teammate Klay Thompson in “The Match” golf event, Curry said Poole has a “great opportunity” ahead of him with the Washington Wizards while talking up the Warriors’ acquisition of 12-time All-Star Chris Paul.
“You hate losing JP,” Curry said, per Anthony Slater of The Athletic. “I know it’s not all the way official yet. So I don’t want to talk too much before it is. But that’s the tough part of the business, seeing a young guy come into his own (and then get traded). It’s a great opportunity for him. It’s just you get to know someone like that, build a friendship, build a bond, it’s tough to see him go. But, you know, we’re trying to win next year and [Chris Paul] can help us do that.”
Poole spent four seasons under the wing of Curry. He emerged as a breakout star during the 2021-22 season. At one point, many considered him the third Splash Brother with Curry and Thompson.
Poole spent four seasons under the wing of Steph Curry and Klay Thompson in Golden State. He emerged as a breakout star during the 2021-22 season. At one point, many considered him the third Splash Brother.
The Warriors also believed it, signing Poole to a four-year, $128 million contract extension last year. However, much changed after he was punched by teammate Draymond Green. Poole’s outlook was altered after the ordeal.
Poole averaged a career-high 20.4 points and 4.5 assists during the 2022-23 season. However, his dreadful playoff performance this year and how he handled a decrease in playing time made trading Poole easier for the Warriors.
If Poole matures and puts the way things ended in Golden State behind him, he indeed has a great opportunity to shine as the Wizards’ focal point. Poole will get to showcase his talents in Washington without the pressure of fitting into an already championship-made team.
The Wizards are starting a rebuild, and Poole can be a significant part of that makeover. Meanwhile, the Warriors are trying to maximize the championship window of its three core players.
The first step was offloading Poole in large to create money to re-sign Green to a contract extension. Acquiring a future Hall of Famer in Chris Paul is an excellent trade-off for the Warriors.
Poole gets to the centerpiece and showcase his talents away from the Warriors. The Wizards wanted to get younger and lay the foundation for rebuilding the roster. Poole has the opportunity to make a name for himself with a team focused on developing into a winner over the course of time.
More must-reads: