The Golden State Warriors have acquired Chris Paul from the Washington Wizards in exchange for shooting guard Jordan Poole, a top-20 protected first round pick and a 2027 second round pick.
Getting rid of Poole’s bloated contract was a must for the Warriors as he signed a four-year $140 million dollar contract extension in October 2022. Yet did not play particularly well in 2022-2023 season even thoug he averaged 20.4 points per game, 4.5 assists, and 2.7 rebounds. He shot only 43 percent from the field, 33.6 percent from three, and 87 percent from the free throw line.
Poole struggled mightily in the playoffs as well. Averaging only 10.3 points, 3.5 assists, 2.2 rebounds. His field goal percentage was 34.1 percent, 25.4 percent from beyond the arc, and 76.5 percent from the free throw line.
Besides his disappointing season, he got punched by teammate Draymond Green.
No suspension was handed down to Green by the Warriors, yet he did get fined. Still many fans believe that the two can no longer coexist with each other and why one needed to go. Yet the reason the deal needed to get made was financial flexibility.
It will allow for the Warriors to keep their core group of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Green together. While it allows for Poole to get a fresh start in an organization will give him plenty of opportunities to score.
For the Warriors, Paul makes sense. He gives them a playmaker coming off the bench who can hit a mid-range jumper and can hit a three if needed. Also, can help Jonathan Kuminga thrive especially in pick and roll situations.
With Gary Payton II on the roster it gives the Warriors flexibility with Paul’s minutes and to keep him healthy for the playoffs.
Despite what some have posted on social media the projected 2023-2024 starting lineup for Golden State is this:
PG: Stephen Cury
SG: Klay Thompson
SF: Andrew Wiggins
PF: Draymond Green
C: Kevon Looney