After failing to make this NBA postseason this year, the Washington Wizards are a team that will be looking to make upgrades in the offseason. One possible trade target for them is a recent NBA champion.
The people at Bleacher Report recently compiled a list of trade targets for teams who missed the playoffs. When discussing the Washington Wizards, Golden State Warriors guard Jordan Poole was brought up.
The Washington Wizards need a real playmaker at the point, and their glut of decent passers elsewhere on the roster means they can focus on someone who breaks down and bends the defense when on the ball more so than someone who’ll average 10.0 assists.
Poole has his shortcomings defensively but can be a go-to scoring option on the offensive end. Pairing him alongside Bradley Beal would give Washington a backcourt duo that can put up points in a hurry.
The Warriors guard played all 82 games this season and posted career-highs in both points (20.4) and assists (4.5) per game. With Steph Curry and Klay Thompson in the lineup full-time, the young guard is still finding ways to thrive alongside them.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jordan Poole, Golden State Warriors & Washington Wizards Updates
One factor that could slow a trade like this is Poole’s contract. Next year, he will begin the four-year, $128 million deal he signed last summer. Taking on that kind of money would likely force them to pivot on other key players.
Kyle Kuzma and Kristaps Porzingis can both become free agents this offseason, and the Wizards have expressed interest in bringing both back. However, if one of these two decides to walk in free agency, it could open the door for the Wizards to make a big splash, like going after Poole.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jordan Poole, Golden State Warriors & Washington Wizards Updates
With Bradley Beal under contract long-term, the Wizards are in no position to gear for a rebuild. While Poole’s salary is high, he is approaching the prime of his career. If he can continue to trend in the right direction, he could be a foundational piece for a team willing to give him a bigger opportunity.
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