{"id":51115,"date":"2023-06-22T17:07:07","date_gmt":"2023-06-22T21:07:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=51115"},"modified":"2023-06-22T17:07:07","modified_gmt":"2023-06-22T21:07:07","slug":"warriors-flip-poole-for-chris-paul","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2023\/06\/22\/warriors-flip-poole-for-chris-paul\/","title":{"rendered":"Warriors Flip Poole for Chris Paul"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The Golden State Warriors are going all in <\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">now. <\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">After a tumultuous season that started with <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/g\/greendr01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Draymond Green<\/span><\/b><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> punching <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/p\/poolejo01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Jordan Poole<\/span><\/b><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> after the guard signed a huge contract extension, Poole is now headed to Washington in exchange for <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2023\/06\/11\/nba-rumor-the-warriors-are-a-landing-spot-for-chris-paul\/\" target=\"_self\">Chris Paul<\/a>.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Washington is also receiving <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/r\/rolliry01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Ryan Rollins<\/strong><\/a>, a 2030 first-round pick, and two second-round picks in the deal. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Warriors Flip Poole for Chris Paul<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">ESPN Sources: The Washington Wizards are finalizing a deal to send Chris Paul to the Golden State Warriors for a package that includes Jordan Poole and future draft assets. <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/kpNkhqFicp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/kpNkhqFicp<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/wojespn\/status\/1671959234701828106?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">June 22, 2023<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">From the moment Poole signed his $140 million extension last summer, things went downhill for Golden State. The defending champions struggled all season, just missing the Play-In Tournament as the sixth seed in the West. Their postseason was plagued with immaturity and an inability to be effective without <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/c\/curryst01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Stephen Curry<\/strong><\/a> on the floor. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Poole in particular had an abysmal playoff outing, scoring just 10.3 points per game on 34.1 percent from the field and 25.4 percent from three-point range. In their 2022 championship run, he scored 17 points per game on 50 percent and 39.1 percent, respectively. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">On top of this, Poole was not considered a great defender either. His combination of cold shooting and poor decision-making alongside his below-average defense made him unplayable for Steve Kerr. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">When you look at his 2023 postseason, it\u2019s hard to justify his $27 million salary next season as his extension kicks in. With Green as a free agent now and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/t\/thompkl01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Klay Thompson<\/span><\/b><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> set to become one next summer, Golden State made a move that saves them money in the future. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span data-contrast=\"none\">How the Money Works<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Paul\u2019s cap hit for next year is set at around $30 million, $15 million of which has been covered by Phoenix by cutting him before the June 28 deadline. Nonetheless, he counts for $30 million against the cap for Golden State. Well, how are they saving money if Poole costs $27 million and Paul costs $30 million?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Poole\u2019s salary increases every year until 2027 when it hits $34 million. Paul will be off the books for Golden State by the end of 2025 where he could either be retired or resign for cheaper as he turns 40. With Green most likely having a new contract (should they resign him) and Thompson in the same boat next summer, Mike Dunleavy will have two years of flexibility once Paul\u2019s deal is over. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span data-contrast=\"none\">Contending in the Meantime<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Golden State will not waive Chris Paul and is looking forward to partnering with the star to make a championship run, league sources tell <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/NBAonTNT?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@NBAonTNT<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/BleacherReport?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@BleacherReport<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/ChrisBHaynes\/status\/1671965513642278912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">June 22, 2023<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Dunleavy has already stated that the organization does not intend to flip Paul. Curry and Paul have gone head-to-head for the past 10 years and have had some heated moments. How does this work?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">All indications point to Paul coming off the bench and heading a second unit that needs a leader. However, Kerr has been known to institute a \u201cdeath lineup\u201d at the end of games that includes the team\u2019s five best guys and shifts Green to center. Pre-<a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/d\/duranke01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Durant<\/strong><\/a>, it was Curry-Thompson-<a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/i\/iguodan01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Iguodala<\/strong><\/a>&#8211;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/b\/barneha02.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Barnes<\/strong><\/a>-Green, with Durant, it was Curry-Thompson-Durant-Iguodala-Green. In its most recent title run, it became Curry-Poole-Thompson-<a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/w\/wiggian01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Wiggins<\/strong><\/a>-Green and it\u2019s easy to see Paul sliding into the Poole spot. <\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span data-contrast=\"none\">Last Chances and New Opportunities<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">You have to think Paul will embrace this opportunity as his last, and probably best, chance to win a championship. He\u2019s joining a group that has done this before, and as weird as it sounds, Paul has a chance to learn from this squad. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">At 38, Paul has only reached the Finals and Conference finals once despite playing on great teams. His body is also cannot deal with the grueling 82-game schedule starting every night. This is a chance for Paul to take a small step back, be a potential sixth man of the year candidate and show up for the Warriors in the moments that matter, not meaningless games in January. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">On the other hand, Washington has finally launched their rebuild after trading <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/b\/bealbr01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Bradley Beal<\/strong><\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/p\/porzikr01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Kristaps Porzingis<\/strong><\/a> in the past week, leaving 22-year-old <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/a\/avdijde01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Deni Avdija<\/strong><\/a> as the team\u2019s longest-tenured player. This means Poole can do whatever he wants on the court until they start gearing up to compete again. He can be the best player on a team looking for an alpha and maybe even become an All-Star. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span data-contrast=\"none\">Next Moves for the Warriors<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Despite adding Paul, Golden State still needs to add some depth. It\u2019s possible to see the team get <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/d\/divindo01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Donte Divencenzo<\/strong><\/a> to opt-in for a sign and trade along with some picks. They could go after someone like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/t\/trentga02.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Gary Trent Jr.<\/strong><\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/c\/covinro01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Robert Covington<\/strong><\/a>, and other three and D players to bolster the second unit. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Golden State will also hit the free-agent market, but they won\u2019t have much flexibility without the mid-level exception. They could try to convince guys like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/c\/craigto01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Torrey Craig<\/strong><\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/r\/reidna01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Naz Reid<\/strong><\/a>,<a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/g\/greenje02.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong> Jeff Green<\/strong><\/a>, or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/d\/drumman01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Andre Drummond<\/strong><\/a> to take the veteran minimum to compete for a championship. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Golden State\u2019s core looks a little different now. However, there\u2019s no doubt this team is gunning for another title run in 2024. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Golden State Warriors are going all in now. After a tumultuous season that started with Draymond Green punching Jordan Poole after the guard signed a huge contract extension, Poole is now headed to Washington in exchange for Chris Paul. Washington is also receiving Ryan Rollins, a 2030 first-round pick, and two second-round picks in [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4610,"featured_media":51117,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[25,1608,2,62,18],"tags":[229,1909],"class_list":["post-51115","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-warriors","category-basketball","category-featured","category-nba","category-wizards","tag-chris-paul","tag-jordan-poole"],"modified_by":"Zach Kircher","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/51115","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4610"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=51115"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/51115\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/51117"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=51115"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=51115"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=51115"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}