In what can only be described as a stunning move, the Golden State Warriors have made waves in the offseason by acquiring veteran guard Chris Paulfrom the Phoenix Suns, who had recently traded him to the Washington Wizards. The Warriors sent Jordan Poole to the Wizards in exchange for Paul, a decision that has raised eyebrows among basketball fans due to Poole’s youth, potential, and his hefty $128 million contract signed just last summer with Golden State.
Warriors team owner Joe Lacob addressed the trade in an interview with the Mercury News, referring to it as a “multi-faceted decision” driven by the team’s need for change.
“We recognized the need for a shift in our approach,” Lacob explained. “While this move may be temporary, acquiring Chris Paul, a revered Hall of Famer, will undoubtedly bolster our second unit and potentially elevate our first unit. No matter where he plays, his impact will be tremendous.”
It remains to be seen how Paul will perform in a Warriors uniform, but it is clear that shedding Poole’s contract provides financial relief for Golden State. Paul is slated to earn $30.8 million this season, with a non-guaranteed $30 million for the following year, making him an unrestricted free agent. On the other hand, Poole was set to begin the first year of his four-year, $128 million rookie extension, which would have tied him to the team until the 2026-2027 season. Given the NBA’s stricter penalties for high-spending teams under the new collective bargaining agreement, maintaining financial flexibility is crucial for the Warriors’ future, and this trade secures that.
Golden State Warriors’ financial strategy aims to cement the legacy of Curry, Green, and Thompson
From a financial standpoint, this move aligns with Lacob’s desire to ensure that Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Klay Thompson retire as Warriors. Thompson, who will become an unrestricted free agent next summer, stands to benefit from shedding Poole’s contract as it provides Golden State with more financial leeway to offer him a lucrative deal.
“Undoubtedly, we would love for Steph, Draymond, and Klay to conclude their careers with the Warriors,” expressed Lacob. “It is not only my goal, but our collective goal, and I believe it’s highly likely to happen.”
Green recently signed a four-year, $100 million extension, securing his place in the Warriors’ future, while Curry’s contract extends through the 2025-26 season. If Thompson renews his contract for the long term, it will ensure that Golden State’s formidable core remains intact for the foreseeable future.