Warriors’ Chris Paul trade screams ‘win now’ as title window shrinks

It was a four-year rollercoaster ride that featured the highest of the highs, and the lowest of the lows, but the Jordan Poole era is officially over for the Golden State Warriors.

Per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Golden State Warriors dealt Poole, Ryan Rollins, a 2027 second-round pick, and a protected 2030 first-round pick to the Wizards for veteran point guard Chris Paul.

The Warriors making this monumental Chris Paul trade screams “win now”

At this time last season, many around the NBA viewed Jordan Poole as one of the most exciting young talents in the NBA. After all, Poole was one of the most significant contributors for Golden State during the team’s 2022 NBA Championship run and his stellar play earned him a lucrative $140 million extension that would’ve kept him in Golden State through the 2026-27 season.

Fast forward to the present day and Poole is likely packing his bags looking to board the next flight to Washington, a fresh start and new opportunity waiting for him on the other side.

For the Warriors, this trade opens up all sorts of possibilities. A severely underwhelming season tanked Poole’s trade value and limited what the Warriors could get back in return, but landing the ‘point god,’ while clearing up tons of cap space is a win for Golden State.

The addition of CP3 gives the Warriors one of the league’s best backup point guards, whom they’ll be able to consistently rely on to generate quality looks in the half-court. An 18-year NBA vet, Paul’s basketball IQ is second to none, and he will provide a steady presence during high-leverage situations.

The move also increases the likelihood of Draymond Green’s return to the Bay. Green and the Warriors hope to come to terms on a new multi-year deal that would keep Green in the Bay long-term, and with Poole’s massive contract off the books, Golden State can make Green an offer he can’t refuse.

Now, the Warriors will turn their attention to tonight’s NBA Draft, in which the Golden State owns the 19th overall selection.