Orlando Magic could pry Jordan Poole from Golden State Warriors

The Golden State Warriors could be hard-pressed to be able to keep their young core together, and that wrecking ball could start to break down the organization as soon as this coming offseason.

The Dubs will need to make a decision on whether or not they want to extend Jordan Poole. Poole became a star a season ago, helping keep the Warriors stay afloat late in the season when Stephen Curry went down with a foot injury.

The Golden State Warriors may have to watch out for the Orlando Magic in the Jordan Poole sweepstakes if they choose not to extend the young guard.

Poole averaged around 26 points per game over the last few weeks of the season. He was consistently in the playoff rotation but saw limited time against the Celtics due to his defensive weaknesses.

Poole would get picked on by the iso-heavy Celtics offense. Boston typically targetted Curry when Poole wasn’t on the floor and didn’t typically do so effectively.

His defense could be a point of emphasis when considering extending the 23-year-old star since the Dubs will basically be choosing between Wiggins and Poole. Poole has increased his scoring and efficiency by an impressive amount each season which is going to make him a hot target in the market.

If the Dubs do not extend Poole, he will become a restricted free agent which will still give Golden State the option to match any contract next offseason.

The Warriors may not get a better long-term deal for Poole than in the extension, so if he does become a restricted free agent, the suitors could line up and get him with ease. One team that may be ready to sound the alarm on Poole is Orlando.

“I’d watch out for the Magic to be ready to make an offer if he’s restricted, knowing there’s a good chance Golden State is not going to match,” one Eastern Conference executive said to Heavy Sports’ Sean Deveney.

Poole in Orlando with the young core of Paolo Banchero, Jonathan Isaac, and Franz Wagner would create a playoff-contending team, especially if the star guard takes another leap this coming season.

The Magic have the money to spend, and Poole, one of the hardest workers in the league, would be a smart investment. Creating the young four-man core for Orlando is a great way to rebuild, and with a No. 1 overall pick headlining the core, it would set them up for long-term success.

With that in mind, Poole did top 18 points per game, and with a similar role, he could see his scoring go over 20 per game this season. It wouldn’t be shocking to see him get a contract that nears nine figures.