Chris Paul’s stay in Washington has lasted just a few days. According to Shams Charania, a journalist for The Athleticthe Wizards have sent the point guard to Golden State, which trades Jordan Poole, Ryan Rollings, a protected 2030 first-rounder and a 2027 second-rounder in exchange.
This movement changes quite a bit the way in which the transfer of Bradley Beal can be perceived by the capitalists, because when his departure to Phoenix in exchange for Paul was confirmed, it was assumed that CP3 would be fired to save part of his salary and that they had delivered their best player for practically nothing. However, just a few days later they have managed to change the point guard for a young player with proven talent, and although it is evident that he has things to polish, he has plenty of time to develop in Wizards that are expected to spend a few years adrift .
Poole comes from averaging 20.4 points per game in the regular season, but, after being key in the Warriors’ ring in 2022, he has signed a much more irregular postseason this time. His decision-making continues to be poor and makes him a relatively inconsistent player, which made Golden State begin to consider his trade after losing in the second round against the Lakers. And as soon as the opportunity to go after Chris has arisen, they have not hesitated.
What to do with Paul?
However, it is inevitable to wonder what is the reason why those from San Francisco want to take over the point guard. On the one hand, it is conceivable that, unlike Poole, Chris will provide them with greater intelligence on the court, a better know-how and an ability to complement himself with the team’s stars that Jordan did not always have. On the other, he gives them an ideal opportunity to free up salary.
It does not seem that this is going to be the option they opt for, but the truth is that with the second apron Going into effect in 2024 Golden State was beginning to see itself in the water at the neck of the salary level, especially now that Poole’s contract of 128 million over four years was beginning to not seem like such a good idea. In fact, although the rumors indicate that the franchise’s plan is not to free up salary space in exchange for losing potential in the squad, they did add that Jordan was the great candidate to leave if they finally opted for this option. And for now, the escort is already out.
And it is that, with the future of Draymond Green in the air and Klay Thompson being a free agent next year, having to pay 60 million dollars to a Chris Paul of 38 and 39 years does not seem like a great option unless in The franchise is very confident that their presence makes them favorites in the ring again. If this is not the case, firing him before June 28 and saving 45 million (15 this year and 30 next) would allow them to face the construction of the squad without being so handcuffed and without losing any member of their main trio.
(Cover photo: Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
