1. Andrew Wiggins fills a more important role
Put the offensive consistency and defensive prowess together and what do you get? A player the Golden State Warriors can not easily replace.
Wiggins is one of just a few 3-and-D players who truly get the job done on both ends. He’s a lanky wing with muscle, athleticism and agility that you don’t find very often in this league.
As for Jordan Poole, microwave scorers are everywhere in the NBA.
In fairness, the offensive upside Poole has shown and the off-dribble creation is nothing to scoff at. Poole is a special talent and is only 22 years old. His potential is through the roof.
Regardless, Wiggins is still a more important piece to the puzzle. The Warriors have never needed a high-scoring sixth man to win championships in the past — but they have always needed a capable wing defender.
With other promising prospects like Moses Moody, James Wiseman and Jonathan Kuminga already on the roster, the Dubs can afford to lose Poole if it means keeping Wiggins.
Lastly, and on a slightly separate note, Poole has a long career ahead of him. Because of this, it makes sense that the younging takes a pay cut while Wiggins, the proven vet, continues to cash checks while he’s still in his prime.