The Golden State Warriors have pulled off a blockbuster trade on Thursday, dealing Jordan Poole, Ryan Rollins and future draft capital to the Washington Wizards for 12-time All-Star Chris Paul.
It’s a courageous move from new General Manager Mike Dunleavy Jr., moving an often chaotic but supremely talented young player for a injury-plagued NBA legend who will be 39 come the start of next postseason.
The Golden State Warriors have made a bold move to acquire Chris Paul that will have ripple effects throughout the franchise.
Even if the Warriors are essentially just switching their sixth man for next season, this is a deal that shakes the franchise to its core both in the short and long-term. Everyone will be impacted in one way or another, but there’s three players who may be most affected particularly by the departure of Poole.
Draymond Green
Draymond Green was the man left out as the Warriors signed Poole and Andrew Wiggins to contract extensions last offseason. Although he didn’t show it on the floor in what was another quality season for the former Defensive Player of the Year, there had to be some frustration at the fact the front office seemingly prioritized others over the franchise legend and future Hall-of-Famer.
If even an inkling of that remained before this trade, it could have spelled trouble for the Warriors’ ability to re-sign Green in free agency. However, with many seeing it as a Green or Poole choice after the pair’s altercation last training camp, this move showcases the organization’s decision to back in their veteran leader. Green was probably going to re-sign with the Warriors regardless, but this trade only strengthens that likelihood.
Klay Thompson
With Poole averaging nearly 25 points per game as a starter, conversations were already being had among fans on whether he should start over Klay Thompson. With the 33-year-old entering the final year of his contract and making $43 million, there were even rumors that Thompson could be the one dealt this offseason.
Now those discussions are almost assuredly over, as is any question marks around Thompson’s place in the starting lineup. Additionally, Golden State get off the long-term money of Poole in this transaction, increasing the likelihood that they navigate a new deal with Thompson to tie him to the franchise long-term. That could happen as soon as this offseason, though he could still enter free agency after the 2023-24 season.
Jonathan Kuminga
The first question for most fans after this blockbuster trade — what does it mean for Jonathan Kuminga? Well, there’s a couple schools of thought…The immediate reaction might be that Golden State are loading up on the win-now, meaning that we could be on the precipice of another trade that involves the 20-year-old forward.
However, Kuminga makes just $6 million next season. What’s out there for the Warriors at that price aside from simply moving him for another young and unproven prospect? Any potential Kuminga move was likely to include Poole, ultimately assembling assets and salary to bring in a $30-35 million player.
Instead, the Warriors got a $30 million player that’s a little overpaid, meaning they didn’t have to relinquish the athletic youngster. We can now start thinking about how Paul might impact Kuminga’s play on the floor, but more analysis on that at a later date. Ultimately, it’s not to say that Golden State won’t make another move that sees Kuminga depart the franchise, but the chances of him remaining in the Bay may have actually increased as a result of this trade.