One NBA writer is proposing that the Golden State Warriors trade shooting guard Jordan Poole to the Toronto Raptors this summer.
In a May 22 article called “NBA Trade Ideas for Players Who Need a Fresh Start,” Grant Hughes of Bleacher Report proposed that the Warriors trade Poole and swingman Jonathan Kuminga to the Raptors for small forward OG Anunoby.
“Why? Whether it was the preseason punch, a zillion early-season palming violations, the league figuring him out or general dissatisfaction with his role, Jordan Poole played like a guy who had a foot out the door all season,” Hughes wrote. “His failure to fill a critical playoff niche as the Golden State Warriors’ main shot-creator behind Stephen Curry sealed the deal.
“The Warriors need depth, someone who’ll play within their system and financial relief, and the best way to get some of those things is to trade Poole, who’ll probably be better off running his own show without a teammate that tried to knock him out.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jordan Poole, Golden State Warriors & Toronto Raptors Updates
Poole signed a four-year, $128 million extension with the Warriors in October 2022. The extension kicks in next season. A Michigan product, Poole averaged 20.4 points for the Dubs this season while shooting 43.0% from the field, 33.6% from beyond the arc, and 87.0% from the free-throw line.
However, Poole wasn’t able to carry over his regular-season success to the postseason. In 13 playoff games versus the Sacramento Kings and Los Angeles Lakers, Poole averaged 10.3 points while shooting an inefficient 34.1% overall and 25.4% from 3-point range.
“Who says no? Probably Toronto,” Hughes wrote. “To make this possible, they’d have to renounce their rights on either Fred VanVleet and Gary Trent Jr. or Jakob Poeltl. The Raptors would be wise to get something for Anunoby if they’re unsure they can sign him to a team-friendly extension and want to avoid losing him in 2024 free agency, but the cost of making enough room to add Poole and Kuminga might be too high.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jordan Poole, Golden State Warriors & Toronto Raptors Updates
Poole could definitely use a fresh start next season since he was punched in the face by Draymond Green. It will be interesting to see what the Warriors do with the youngster this summer.
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