Golden State Warriors urged to exchange massive contracts to address need

The Golden State Warriors’ season is still alive after a win on their home floor in Game 5 against the Los Angeles Lakers, but that hasn’t stopped some from delving into trade speculation ahead of a big offseason for the defending champions.

One of the names heavily being discussed is Jordan Poole, with the 23-year-old having a horror postseason that’s seen his numbers and playing time plummet the further it goes. Despite yet starting a new four-year, $128 million extension, some believe Golden State could move on from Poole to help balance their guard-heavy roster.

The Golden State Warriors have been urged to exchange the impending big contract of Jordan Poole in favor of a new starting center.

Poole’s new deal is already being viewed as one of the worst in the league, meaning any potential trade would likely bring back someone who’s regarded as overpaid. Sports Illustrated’s Ben Stinar has an idea in mind, one that would see the Warriors acquire Rudy Gobert from the Minnesota Timberwolves.

While it’s a plausible suggestion, would Gobert really fill a void for Golden State in the short-term? The Warriors’ core of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green have built a dynasty without the need for an expensive, former All-Star level big man.

Why would they change that now? Sure, they need to address their center depth behind Kevon Looney, but not at a price point above a minimum-level deal, let alone someone like Gobert who has three-years and $132 million owing on his contract.

There’s a couple of other factors at play — Gobert will still earn nearly $14 million more than Poole next season, meaning the Warriors would have to stump up another salary they don’t really have, nor want to part with.

Then there’s just the players themselves — the Minnesota Timberwolves’ decision to acquire Gobert last offseason was and has been a disaster from the get go, and they have little leverage for a now 30-year-old who’s never been a major contributor to high-level playoff basketball.

On the other end of the spectrum, Poole has shown a capacity to be a helpful part of a championship team. He’s also just 23-years-old — at least he still has some scope to reach the value of his contract, whereas Gobert is on the downward trajectory of his career and is unlikely to ever be worth close to $40 million per season again (if he ever was in the first place).

The Warriors could well listen to, and even instigate Poole trade discussion this offseason, but the fact is that this postseason has diminished his external value to a point where any deal is unlikely to be worth it. That sentiment is true in this hypothetical Poole for Gobert exchange.