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Warriors: Jordan Poole extension could mean Wiggins traded

By Tony Pesta

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 16: Jordan Poole #3 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates with the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy after defeating the Boston Celtics 103-90 in Game Six of the 2022 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 16, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 16: Jordan Poole #3 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates with the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy after defeating the Boston Celtics 103-90 in Game Six of the 2022 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 16, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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The Golden State Warriors are coming to a crossroads. Both Andrew Wiggins and Jordan Poole want to get paid next season but the Dubs are strapped for cash.

For Poole, this is his first opportunity to negotiate a bigger deal since being drafted late first round in 2019.

Considering JP’s ascension from borderline G-League player to the sixth man on a championship team, it’s fairly obvious a pay raise is coming.

As for Wiggins, he’s already had the luxury of being a max-salary player. One who, for most of his contract, was deemed overpaid and not worthy of his price tag.

This didn’t stop the Warriors from trading for him in 2021.

It also did not stop Wiggins from working on his craft and becoming one of the most valuable players on the roster.

Good, so the Warriors have two players who have exceeded, or at the very least, met expectations.

The issue?

Both of them are due for a new contract by 2023 and the Warriors might not be able to keep both.

The Golden State Warriors could put themselves into a pickle if they extend Jordan Poole this summer. What would that mean for Andrew Wiggins?

Joe Lacob has already paid the price necessary to build a championship team. While he has criticized the NBA luxury tax for penalizing his homegrown dynasty — I don’t think the NBA is going to change policy any time soon, especially since his condemnation was met with a fine.

According to Connor Letourneau of the San Francisco Chronicle, the Warriors will be meeting with Poole this year to discuss his extension. Depending on the asking price, a deal could be done before the start of the 2022-23 regular season and everyone’s mind can be at ease.

If Poole wants more money than the Dubs can offer? Things get dicey.

The Dubs can sign Poole for a massive contract but only at the cost of not being able to offer Wiggins big money next summer.

In the event Poole is signed to a lofty contract — or holds out until next summer to demand more — the Warriors could punt on Wiggins in order to avoid losing one of them for nothing.

By this same token, Poole could be traded instead.

The good news, though, is Poole will only be a restricted free agent next season. This gives the Warriors a bit more leverage, with the ability to match any offer JP gets on the market.

Either way, some tough decisions are on the horizon.

Next. 3 James Wiseman trades to consider. dark

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