5 Jordan Poole replacements that could be more impactful in 2024 playoffs
By Tyler Watts
The Golden State Warriors have a massive payroll and immediate roster decisions to make. The NBA’s new CBA added in a second tax apron (subscription required) to penalize the league’s highest spending teams with the worst of the restrictions beginning in 2024. The Dubs will eventually have to shed salary. Guard Jordan Poole is at the top of the list after his postseason struggles, but they could take one more crack at winning a title with their current group.
Draymond Green would have to accept his player option or sign an extension to stay in Golden State. Klay Thompson is extension-eligible this summer as well. If the Warriors are going to keep their three pillars together long-term, other contracts will have to come off their books.
Poole could be gone this summer, and the Warriors should be looking to get back a quality role player in return. Golden State may look to sacrifice some offense for a better defender along with some salary relief in any trade.
Jordan Poole replacements that could have more impact for Golden State Warriors in the 2024 playoffs
5. Buddy Hield
Hield is not known for his defense, but the 6’4 wing has some weight and strength on Jordan Poole. The 30-year-old is also an elite 3-point shooter. Defenders cannot leave Stephen Curry or Klay Thompson, so there are always plenty of open looks in San Francisco. Hield has hit 40.2 percent in his career from downtown and is coming arguably his best season.
Hield rated 127th in FiveThirtyEight’s Defensive RAPTOR, which was significantly better than Jordan Poole’s 222nd out of 250 qualified players. In total RAPTOR, Hield finished 72nd and Poole was 233rd.
Poole is about to start a four-year $128 million extension that the Golden State Warriors cannot afford, but Buddy Hield is on a $19.2 million expiring contract. The Dubs could capitalize on one year of his prime before letting him go next summer. Hield would give the Warriors more shooting and the 30-year-old may up his game as he gets his first crack at playoff basketball.