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Jordan Poole’s ascension mixed with Draymond Green’s decline could create sticky situation for Warriors

By Nathan Beighle

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 02: Jordan Poole #3 of the Golden State Warriors is congratulated by Klay Thompson #11 and Draymond Green #23 after making a three point basket against the Utah Jazz in the fourth quarter at Chase Center on April 02, 2022 in San Francisco, California. 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 02: Jordan Poole #3 of the Golden State Warriors is congratulated by Klay Thompson #11 and Draymond Green #23 after making a three point basket against the Utah Jazz in the fourth quarter at Chase Center on April 02, 2022 in San Francisco, California. 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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The Golden State Warriors are going to be playing a complicated game over the next few seasons. Jordan Poole, Andrew Wiggins and Draymond Green all need a contract extension, and only one of those three may continue to make drastic improvements.

Golden State will already have Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry on max deals for at least the next two seasons.

The Warriors have watched the ascension of Jordan Poole, but despite Draymond Green’s decline, they may not be able to retain the star guard.

Green is the only one of the three still on the payroll after this coming season, but he has a player option for the following season. Green is looking for a $164 million max contract extension. If he gets that, keeping both Poole and Wiggins could be challenging for the Warriors.

This situation gets trickier if neither of the three gets an extension prior to the new season, putting far more importance on their play this upcoming season, which obviously favors the younger players.

Poole could have another blowout season in which he tops 22 points per game and erupts as one of the best young guards in the NBA. He has increased his scoring and efficiency each season, averaging 18.5 points per game this past year.

At what point has Poole became such an asset that the organization needs to do what they can to keep him, especially if he steps up on the defensive end of the court, an area which he clearly lacked a season ago.

There is a case to be made for Green as well as he’s the heartbeat of the team on both ends of the court. However, 32, Green isn’t going to have as impressive of a season as either the up-and-coming Poole or Wiggins.

Green’s three-point shooting is still under 30%, and his assists numbers have waned. The importance to the roster is still there. As for Wiggins, he’s arguably the best two-way players the Warriors have now, so there’s a case to be made for all three.

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If no extension is given prior to the season starting, it’ll be a difficult situation as more pressure will be on how each play throughout the upcoming season.

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