The 8 Worst Golden State Warriors roster decisions of the last decade

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Jordan Poole of the Golden State Warriors.

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 08: Jordan Poole #3 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after making a three-point shot against the LA Clippers in the second half during an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on March 08, 2022 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

3. The Golden State Warriors extend Jordan Poole for 4 seasons

This one had to make the list, right? Backing up the Brinks truck for Jordan Poole wound up being a bit of a premature move for the Golden State Warriors. They signed Poole to a four-year, $123 million — potentially $140 million deal prior to the 2022-23 season.

Fast forward about nine months later, and the Dubs just shipped the 23-year-old to Washington as part of a trade to land Chris Paul. While Paul does have an impressive resume, he’s now 38 and making $30 million next season. The draw of the deal was offloading Poole’s long-term money.

It seemed ever since Poole signed the dotted line, things just went in the wrong direction.

The avalanche started in October of 2022 when Draymond Green connect a punch to Poole’s facing during a preseason practice. Video of the incident leaked online, and things were just never the same. Head coach Steve Kerr even went as far as to say that the incident “compromised” the season.

Once chatter of the punch began to build, Poole wasn’t ever able to string together any sort of consistent play. He had a rollercoaster of a regular season, which culminated in a collapse in the postseason — where he was borderline unplayable. Poole averaged just 10.3 points, 3.5 assists, and 2.2 rebounds per game in the playoffs. The worst of his struggles came from an efficiency standpoint, as he made just 34.1% of his attempts from the floor and 25.4% from deep.

The new CBA didn’t help the value of Poole’s contract. Under the amended rules, teams are punished for overspending. So, the salary dump where Poole became a Wizard was heavily influenced by Golden State’s fear of the “second-apron.”

Poole’s extension may have been rushed. His departure may have also been rushed. Only time will tell, but the young guard’s payday was the first domino to fall in what was a wild exit.

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