Golden State Warriors address cap pressure with offseason mock trade

The NBA trade deadline is only just in the rearview mirror, but that hasn’t stopped some already looking towards what may happen during the offseason. With their season well and truly on the rocks and failing to gain momentum, the Golden State Warriors appear like one of the more intriguing teams in the league.

An offseason mock trade helps the Golden State Warriors alleviate their luxury tax squeeze which could come to a head sooner rather than later.

Ownership will have some decisions to make as the Warriors’ combined salary and luxury tax bill prepares to enter unprecedented areas at around $500 million. The biggest question mark surrounds veteran Draymond Green — the 32-year-old could make the franchise’s decision for them by either opting into his player option for next season, or opting out and leaving in free agency.

However, if the Warriors want to retain Green while cutting down on the long-term money they’re committed to, NBA Analysis Network’s James Piercey believes they could look to move young guard Jordan Poole. Below is how Piercey thinks a trade could shape up between Golden State and the San Antonio Spurs.

The first element to look at here is that the Warriors wouldn’t be getting immediate cap relief. Poole is set to make $27.5 million next season, while McDermott and Graham are under contract for just under $26 million combined. Although the luxury tax implications means they’d save a significant chunk, it’s not as much as you’d think with a trade of this nature. In this instance it would be about getting off the long-term money of Poole’s four-year deal — in McDermott and Graham they bring back two role players on an expiring and two-year contract respectively.

It’s also important to note that the 2024 and 2025 first-round picks are via Toronto and Atlanta, making them less attractive than if they were based on the Spurs’ finishing position. The trade itself is probably fair value — getting three first-round picks for Poole would be a good result — but neither team are in a position to make the move. San Antonio aren’t in the position of giving up first-round picks, and the Warriors believe Poole can become an All-Star based on the extension they gave him.

Clearly Golden State’s offseason plans will be determined by what happens on the court over the coming months. But even if their disastrous season continues, it’s highly unlikely they’d ditch Poole immediately after his new contract kicks in.