Some situations are not built to last. For one reason or another, they’re meant to be temporary. That’s as true in the NBA as it is anywhere else.
Will Jordan Poole stick with the Washington Wizards? Time will tell. On the one hand, Poole is only 24 – he’s young enough to be part of a rebuild. On the other hand, Poole may not be the type of player the Wizards want to build around. It’s possible that they’ll showcase him for a trade leading up to the deadline.
In all likelihood, it’ll depend on his performance – in the opposite way that you’d expect. If Poole is struggling, Washington may not get a good return for him. On the other hand, if he’s putting up impressive stats, they may look to sell high. Could they send him to the Los Angeles Clippers this season?
The Trade Proposal
Washington Wizards Receive: F/C Marcus Morris Sr., F Robert Covington, 2029 First-Round Pick (LAC)
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: G Jordan Poole
On the other hand, you could make the case that no situation is built to last. The end is always inevitable. The question is how long something is likely to hold.
That’s true in the NBA as well. No player is going to play forever. Even in the age of modern medicine, Father Time is undefeated. Meanwhile, some players’ careers are cut shorter than others. In recent years, that’s been a concern for the Los Angeles Clippers.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Jordan Poole, Los Angeles Clippers & Washington Wizards Updates
Is Kawhi Leonard’s career coming to a premature end? We wouldn’t go that far. We’ll simply say that it’s a concern. Coupled with Paul George’s own injury problems, there’s been speculation that this iteration of the Clippers won’t last much longer. Should they acquire Poole with that in mind?
Why The Los Angeles Clippers Do The Deal
The Wizards acquired Poole this summer. They can’t trade him until later in the season. That’s perfect for the Clippers – this would be a bad deal for them at this moment even if it were legal.
On the other hand, let’s say the Clippers are having a strong season. Suppose Leonard and George have been healthy. Now, let’s also assume that Robert Covington has remained out of the Clippers’ rotation. Suddenly, this deal makes a lot of sense.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Jordan Poole, Los Angeles Clippers & Washington Wizards Updates
After all, the Clippers could use another guard who spaces the floor. They could also use a tertiary shot creator. Poole checks both boxes. If the Clippers are looking to upgrade ahead of an attempted title run, he could be a good target for them. Should the Wizards give him up?
Why The Washington Wizards Do The Deal
Again – the Wizards shouldn’t feel an urgency to move Poole. They could justify keeping him under a number of circumstances.
If Poole is underperforming? They might be best to hold. Otherwise, they’re going to end up dumping his salary and losing value. Meanwhile, if he’s over-performing, they’ve got a quality 24-year-old on their roster. A rebuilding team could justify keeping that player as well.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Jordan Poole, Los Angeles Clippers & Washington Wizards Updates
Still, they could also justify moving him. The Wizards could be in a position where they’re opting to tank for the rest of the season. In that event, a roster downgrade makes sense. Here, they’d be making one and gaining a first-round pick in the process. In the end, they’ll have to decide whether their partnership with Poole is built to last.
Want the latest NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
