A Jordan Poole revenge season might make Warriors regret trading him
By Cem Yolbulan
The Washington Wizards made a massive decision this offseason and chose to rebuild. As part of their rebuilding process, they traded away Bradley Beal and Kristaps Porzingis. The most significant return they got in these trades was Jordan Poole from the Golden State Warriors. The Warriors’ decision to trade Poole was a controversial one and if Poole were to rediscover his form from the 2021-22 season, Golden State will regret their decision to move on from him.
Jordan Poole was unfairly made out to be the scapegoat for the 2022-23 Golden State Warriors. Yes, he struggled in the playoffs, but so did the other members of the Warriors not named Steph Curry. Plus, the potential negative impact of Draymond Green’s punch on Poole’s psychology and team chemistry is undeniable.
This, combined with Jordan Poole starting his 4-year, $128 million contract this season, the Golden State Warriors didn’t want to bring the same team back for the 2023-24 season. However, they still might have sold low on a 24-year-old scoring guard with upside.
The surprising part of the trade was the fact that the Golden State Warriors had to attach a 2030 protected first-round pick to trade Poole. Yes, they added Chris Paul, and he might help them next season. But he is also a 38-year-old expiring contract who plays the same position as their superstar. It’s hard to imagine that one year of Chris Paul brings better value than four years of Jordan Poole.
For this to be the case, Jordan Poole must have a revenge season. If he is motivated to prove the Warriors front office and organization wrong, he might have a breakout season. If he is anywhere near his level in the 2022 NBA Playoffs where he averaged 17 points and 3.8 assists on 51% from the field and 39% from three, the Warriors will likely regret trading him so early into his contract.
Watching how Jordan Poole reacts to his trade and the kind of season he has will be one of the most fascinating storylines of the season for the Washington Wizards. Let’s hope it’s a source of positive motivation for a career season for Poole.
