Jordan Poole Trade Speculation Intensifies as Warriors Face Reunion Dilemma
Jordan Poole’s future with the Golden State Warriors has stirred speculation as the February 5 trade deadline approaches. Recent reports indicate that Poole may find himself on the trading block, particularly as the New Orleans Pelicans reevaluate their roster. The emergence of rookie Jeremiah Fears and the anticipated return of Dejounte Murray have made Poole appear more expendable than ever.
However, the conversation surrounding Poole will inevitably be colored by the infamous incident in October 2022, when Draymond Green delivered a punch that altered the dynamics of the team. Should the Warriors contemplate bringing Poole back, they will have to navigate the complex relationship between him and Green. Yet, even if the franchise believes reconciliation is possible, several factors suggest that targeting Poole may not be the best course of action.
Evaluating Poole’s Impact on Team Weaknesses
While it’s true that Poole could alleviate one of the Warriors’ pressing concerns—scoring in the paint—his overall fit with the team is questionable. Currently, the Warriors rank near the bottom of the league in points scored in the paint, an area where Poole excelled during the team’s 2021-22 championship run. His return would seem appealing on the surface.
However, the Warriors face a multitude of issues that Poole alone would not resolve. Their struggles extend beyond paint scoring to include turnovers, point-of-attack defense, size, and rebounding. Poole’s defensive metrics tell a concerning story; he currently stands in the 4th percentile for Defensive Estimated Plus-Minus, highlighting his struggles on that end of the floor. Furthermore, at 6’4″, he does little to address the team’s size and rebounding deficiencies.
Though Poole brings offensive creativity, his high-risk play style is unlikely to rectify the Warriors’ turnover problems. For a team seeking stability and depth, bringing back a player with these limitations could exacerbate their issues.
Exploring Alternative Trade Options
As the Warriors evaluate their needs ahead of the trade deadline, it becomes clear they would benefit more from targeting specific positions. The focus should be on acquiring a big man and a wing player, although securing both remains uncertain.
If a big man is the priority, players like Ivica Zubac or Myles Turner could significantly impact the roster. Zubac offers a strong presence in the paint, both as a scorer and a rebounder, while Turner, known for his three-point shooting and shot-blocking ability, would enhance several aspects of the Warriors’ game.
On the wing, names like Herb Jones or Trey Murphy III emerge as ideal fits. Both players could provide the defensive capabilities and size that the Warriors currently lack. Murphy, a more expensive option, excels in scoring both in the paint and from beyond the arc, while Jones may not score prolifically but contributes significantly on defense. Statistics show that when Jones is on the court, the Pelicans secure 72% of available defensive rebounds, a stark contrast to the 67% when he sits.
Reflecting on Poole’s Role in the 2022 Championship Run
It’s essential to recognize Poole’s contributions to the Warriors’ 2022 championship team. During that postseason, he averaged 17 points per game, ranking third on the team behind Stephen Curry and Andrew Wiggins. The success of that team relied on a robust core, featuring strong defensive players like Kevon Looney, Otto Porter Jr., and Gary Payton II, which allowed Poole to thrive offensively despite being the main defensive liability.
In contrast, the current Warriors squad lacks the same defensive firepower and size that characterized the 2022 roster. While Curry, Green, and Jimmy Butler provide leadership and skill, the team requires more two-way players than Poole can deliver.
With Poole’s current salary of $31.9 million, any potential trade would likely necessitate including Jonathan Kuminga, who earns $22.5 million, to match salaries. This would leave the Warriors without the flexibility needed to address their other weaknesses, making it clear that exploring trade options beyond Poole may be the most prudent strategy as the deadline approaches.
