Grade the trade: Wizards move on from Jordan Poole in surprise mock deal

The Washington Wizards will not be in contention this season but are over the salary cap and just $9.8 million under the luxury tax. Part of the blame lies with Jordan Poole. He is their highest-paid player, despite being one of the worst in the NBA by most advanced metrics last season. Poole has three years left on his deal and it could determine the team’s future.

Washington is focused on developing young talent and just drafted a building block in Alex Sarr. They hope the seven-footer can become a superstar. The Wizards need an elite player if they plan on getting back to contention, and he may already be on their roster.

Things will be tough paying Poole $95.5 million over the next three seasons. His production must significantly improve or the Wizards would need a trade partner. Fans can bet Washington has looked, but Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley offered this surprise hypothetical in his piece about trading the NBA’s worst contracts. Here is a closer look.

Wizards could send Jordan Poole to the Clippers

The Clippers are opening a fabulous new arena and want to contend this season. Losing Paul George hurt, and LA needs more offense to seriously be in the mix in the crowded Western Conference. They have Kawhi Leonard and James Harden but need someone else capable of getting buckets and creating offense.

Poole is certainly available and presents the Clippers with a chance to save a bit of money and get two unwanted contracts off their books. LA would need to be certain Poole would lock in with a shot to win, and fans saw he could be a strong sixth man in Golden State. Here is a look at the hypothetical deal.

The Clippers were unwilling to pay Paul George, so adding three years of Jordan Poole seems unlikely. Owner Steve Ballmer will not be happy if the franchise is faltering in year one in their new arena. Poole could be just the injection of offense they need, and the Clippers are not giving up a ton to get him.

LA would be buying Poole at his lowest point, but should Washington have interest?

Should the Wizards make this trade?

The Wizards owe Poole $95.5 million over three seasons or they could pay $51.2 million combined for Powell and Tucker. It is a no-brainer in the savings department.

Tucker is in the final year of his contract and would likely be bought out immediately.

Norman Powell was fourth in the Sixth Man of the Year voting for two straight seasons. The Wizards could let him go off and look to trade him in the summer of 2025 as an expiring contract. There would certainly be interest, especially if he averages close to 20 points per game and shoots nearly 40 percent from 3-point range.

Grade: A+

This is an absolute slam dunk for Washington. They dump their worst contract for significant savings and clear their cap sheet sooner. The Wizards are focused on developing young talent and would love to trade Poole. Finding any taker for his contract where Washington does not give up a first-round pick would be a massive win.

The Washington Wizards hope Jordan Poole bounces back, but there are zero guarantees. It figures to be a rough season in the nation’s capital. Fans will be stuck watching for development and growth over wins. Trading Poole could help them accomplish those goals, but fans should not count on it.