The deadline for teams in the NBA to agree to rookie extensions is October 17th, the eve of the regular season kicking off. That is the same day that teams need to cut their rosters down to 15 guaranteed contracts, as they were allowed to hold up to 20 during training camp.
18 players remain that are eligible for extensions as six have been signed and one player, Ty Jerome, was traded and waived so he is no longer eligible for one. One of the players that people are keeping a close eye on is Jordan Poole of the Golden State Warriors.
Poole has emerged as an important rotation piece for the Warriors after a tough start to his career. He was excellent for the team in the playoffs coming off the bench and is in line to earn a massive raise.
Golden State is already deep into the luxury tax, so they will be looking to save as much money on an extension with Poole as possible. However, with Tyler Herro signing a contract worth up to $130 million, his deal will likely be the baseline for Poole.
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If that is not a number the Warriors are comfortable going up to right now, Poole would become a restricted free agent in 2023. If that occurs, the Warriors could face competition for Poole’s services. While making an appearance on the HoopsHype Podcast, Anthony Slater of The Athletic believes the Orlando Magic and San Antonio Spurs could both make a run at him.
“I think it (the extension) gets done. I think there are dangers out there for the Warriors that he could get a max offer sheet, which starts around $33.5 million or so. The Orlando Magic, for example, need a lead guard. They should have a bunch of cap room. If they believe they can pry Poole away, wouldn’t you want to pair him as a pick-and-roll partner with Paolo Banchero? I think the Spurs are another team who’s rebuilding where Poole is so appealing compared to Green, Kyrie, or some of the other free agents out there. For a young team with cap space that wants to build, Poole fits an age curve.”
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The Magic have spent prime draft capital on point guards in recent seasons, selecting Cole Anthony in the first round in 2021 and Jalen Suggs in the first round of 2022. Both players have plenty of time to improve, just as Poole did, but neither is near the same level as the Michigan product yet.
San Antonio has made its intentions clear for the upcoming season, as they are looking to win the Victor Wembanyama sweepstakes. Projected to have some of the most salary cap space in the NBA next offseason, the Spurs can be buyers in free agency and would be an attractive landing spot should the NBA Draft Lottery go their way.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jordan Poole, Golden State Warriors, Orlando Magic & San Antonio Spurs Updates
Golden State would have the opportunity to match any offer sheet that Poole signs as a restricted free agent, but if they are not comfortable giving him a max contract, they should be working diligently to get a deal done before the regular season.
Otherwise, they will run the risk of a team offering him that large contract next summer in restricted free agency.
