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Golden State Warriors: Mike Dunleavy Jr. adamant on upgrade in ‘pretty easy’ move

By Peter O'Keefe

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 25: Jordan Poole #3 of the Golden State Warriors handles the ball against Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns during the second half of the NBA game at Footprint Center on October 25, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Warriors 134-105. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 25: Jordan Poole #3 of the Golden State Warriors handles the ball against Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns during the second half of the NBA game at Footprint Center on October 25, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Warriors 134-105. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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Despite plenty of debate over the month, the Golden State Warriors insist last month’s trade for 38-year-old Chris Paul “made a ton of sense” for both their short and long-term goals.

The Warriors sent 24-year-old Jordan Poole to the Washington Wizards as part of a package for Paul and 57th overall pick Trayce Jackson-Davis. The franchise also gave up 2022 draft picks Patrick Baldwin Jr. and Ryan Rollins, along with future draft capital as part of the deal.

Golden State Warriors’ general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. determined the Jordan Poole-Chris Paul trade as a ‘pretty easy’ move.

Speaking recently on The Jim Rome Show, Golden State general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. has reiterated the franchise’s decision-making behind the move, one that came less than nine months after they gave Poole a four-year, $128 million contract extension.

"“For us to turn around next year and go back out and feel like we have a chance to compete for a championship with whatever that is, five, six, seven teams, that’s all you can ask for”, Dunleavy said. “And we feel like Chris enhances that. And so to make the move made a ton of sense…you know it was a big swing and you could say or whatever, but for me it was honestly a pretty easy move.”"

Mike Dunleavy Jr. wasted no time in undertaking major change as General Manager of the Golden State Warriors. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
Mike Dunleavy Jr. wasted no time in undertaking major change as General Manager of the Golden State Warriors. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

While many may concede that Paul may increases the Warriors’ title chances next season, giving up a young, talented, championship-proven piece for an 18-year veteran was still a jarring point for many.

Dunleavy acknowledged the financial aspect was just as key as next year’s championship prospects, with Paul possessing just one-year and $30.8 million of guaranteed money left on his contract.

That should leave the new General Manager and Golden State with far greater financial flexibility next offseason, particularly given veteran shooting-guard Klay Thompson is also entering the final year of his deal in 2023-24.

Next. Golden State Warriors: Klay Thompson contract talks expected to align with Draymond Green. dark

Evaluating the Poole-Paul trade may not be so straightforward given the contrasting opportunities that are likely to be available for each player. Ultimately it will come down to the Warriors’ win-loss record and how they and Paul shape up heading into the postseason.

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