After not landing an up-and-coming young player in either trade of Bradley Beal and Kristaps Porzingis, the Washington Wizards found their untapped potential, sending Chris Paul to the Golden State Warriors for 24-year-old Jordan Poole.
The Wizards also received 2022 first-round draft pick Patrick Baldwin Jr., a protected 2030 first-round draft pick, and a 2027 second-round pick. But the centerpiece of the deal is Jordan Poole.
Poole appeared outcasted at the end of the season after a dreadful playoff performance. But, not many could blame him considering the dynamics of the Warriors 2022-23 season. Before their season tipped off, the Warriors were faced with a crisis from the infamous punch by Draymond Green.
It was evident that the team’s chemistry was off. After an incredible run to the NBA title in 2022, the Warriors were a shell of themselves and got bounced in the Western Conference semifinals by LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers.
It was apparent Green and Poole could not co-exist moving forward. Despite claims by Warriors’ new GM Mike Dunleavy Jr., Golden State’s intent to re-sign Draymond after he declined his $27.6 million player option meant Poole was moving on somewhere else.
The door is wide open for Jordan Poole to blossom on his own
Now, Jordan Poole gets a fresh start away from the stained Warriors locker room. He gets to have a breath of fresh air and be himself again. The pressures of fitting in a veteran championship locker room no longer exist.
Poole will join a Wizards locker room that will consist of mid-level players. The organization is rebuilding after trading Beal to the Phoenix Suns and Porzingis to the Boston Celtics for a couple of bags of potatoes and seeds (draft picks) to plant in hopes of growing a tree down the road.
Poole will bring the four-year, $128 million contract he signed after a breakout season in 2021-22. He becomes the Wizards’ high-paid player and only significant contract commitment.
While there were stumbles along the way, last season was not all bad for the former Michigan product. He averaged career highs of 20.4 points and 4.5 assists in 82 games, starting 43.
His numbers were more impressive when he didn’t play with Steph Curry, the two-time MVP and cornerstone of the Golden State Warriors. In 26 games without Curry, Poole averaged 26.1 points and 5.0 assists with 56.5% true shooting, per Stat Muse.
His production per 36 minutes — 24.5 points and 5.4 assists — also hints at what he could become on his own away from the Warriors. The Wizards have more work to do with its roster, but Poole appears to be the center of the Wizards’ foundation navigating through this rebuild.
Poole essentially will take the role offensively that Beal possessed for most of the 11 seasons in Washington. Poole’s ball-handling skills, off-ball movement, and precision on the move are an upgrade that lifts the ceiling of his potential.
He can create his shot and provide spacing for others. His numbers should increase with the expanded usage rate. He also can thrive with a green light from head coach Wes Unseld Jr.
It’s another positive for Poole. He is now free of the restraints of Warriors head coach Steve Kerr. There is no denying Kerr is one of the best coaches in the league. However, Kerr hasn’t been keen on young talent.
Poole will have room to make mistakes without Green, Kerr, Curry, and other leaders barking over his shoulder. Unseld is there to guide the Wizards franchise through its transition. Poole can benefit from the increased margin of error to understand who he is without the Warriors.
Meanwhile, the Wizards usher into the post-Bradley Beal era behind the talents of Jordan Poole. There are more moves to go, and the Wizards are steering in a new direction. As it stands, Poole leads a young foundation of Corey Kispert, Deni Avdija, and Johnny Davis. All of whom are draft picks of previous GM Tommy Sheppard, looking to grow like Poole.
The Wizards’ holdovers will be free of the confounds of playing with the Big Three of Beal, Porzingis, and Kyle Kuzma. They’ll have a lot in common with Poole. And they’ll have a chance to swim in the Poole Party.
It’s a fresh start for all involved. The Wizards will enter the 2023-24 season with low expectations. But with a young core, the team could be fun to watch to see if they blossom.
