After their second-round playoff exit against the Los Angeles Lakers, it promised to be a pivotal offseason for the Golden State Warriors. Still, few expected new General Manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. to shake up the franchise in such a major way so early into the role.
NBA Draft Day brought a blockbuster deal for the Warriors, with Dunleavy and the front office ultimately sending Jordan Poole, Patrick Baldwin Jr., Ryan Rollins, a 2027 second-round pick, and a top 20 protected 2030 first-round pick to the Washington Wizards for Chris Paul and the 57th overall pick (Trayce Jackson-Davis).
The Golden State Warriors made a controversial trade for Chris Paul on Thursday, one that’s left many fans disappointed and confused.
Few could blame fans for being left confused and somewhat disappointed at the deal. The Warriors traded an often erratic but supremely talented young guard, and additional young assets and picks, for an ageing veteran who will be 39-years-old by the start of next year’s playoffs.
But this wasn’t a move made off the cuff without considerable thought. A more detailed look at Golden State’s situation reveals a multitude of reasons behind why they made this trade, so let’s have a look at three of them here:
1. The short-term window
There’s a high likelihood that Poole heads to the Wizards and looks a much better player next season than what Paul will for the Warriors. However, for what Golden State needs specifically, make no mistake that this is an upgrade in the short-term.
The Warriors gave Poole the keys to run their second-unit in 2022-23, a ploy that ultimately ended early and in disastrous fashion. With the young guard unable to score efficiently enough himself nor set up teammates effectively, Steve Kerr had to change his rotation and re-arrange Draymond Green’s minutes to have him stabilize the second-unit from early in the season.
Golden State now has the best backup point-guard in the league — someone that was named to an All-NBA team just over 12 months ago. If the Warriors decide to keep ahold of youngsters Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody, Paul could work wonders for developing them into incredibly impactful rotation pieces.
2. Locker room presence and comradery
The vibe was off with the Warriors last season — not surprising given the highly-publicised altercation between Poole and Green during training camp. While Golden State tried to play down its effects during the season, head coach Steve Kerr admitted it hindered their 2022-23 campaign.
Although they may have stopped short of labelling it an untenable situation, it was clear the Warriors needed to make a decision on Poole or Green for the good of the locker room. They’ve addressed that in this trade while also bringing in an extremely intelligent, vastly experienced player who’s done it all bar win a championship.
3. Long-term financial implications
Paul actually makes slightly more than Poole next season, but from there the front office and ownership have opened up a pathway to address what was a growing and unsustainable payroll situation.
It means the Warriors might be able to offer a little more to Green in free agency if needed, and should help with negotiations on a new deal for Klay Thompson who becomes extension eligible this offseason.
Paul can come off the books at the end of next season, either completely or at a heavily reduced rate. That timeline coincides with Kuminga and Moody who will be extension eligible after their third season, potentially allowing Golden State to find new deals for one or both youngsters should they remain at the franchise and their form permit.