Warriors GM Explains Why They Wanted Chris Paul Instead Of Jordan Poole
Photo Credit: Basketball Forever
A little over two weeks ago, the Golden State Warriors sent shockwaves through the NBA, when they acquired Chris Paul from the Washington Wizards in a blockbuster trade. The deal sent Jordan Poole, a top-20 protected 2030 first-round pick, and a 2027 second-round pick to Washington in exchange for Paul.
Paul, 37, is a 12-time All-Star, a 10-time All-NBA selection, and one of the best point guards in NBA history, who is known for his leadership, passing, and clutch play.
The point guard gives the Warriors another playmaker and scorer, and he will also help to solidify their defense. Paul is also a proven winner, and he has a history of leading teams to the playoffs.
The trade is a sign that the Warriors are still in win-now mode. They are not content to just compete for a playoff spot. They want to win another championship, and they believe that Chris Paul is the player who can help them achieve their goal.
While this is ultimately is true, Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. now openly cited financial reasons for the Poole-Paul swap, aside from him being a short-term upgrade:
“Felt like adding Chris gives us a chance to get better. Addresses some things for us overall as a team but also gives us some financial flexibility moving forward. Most of all, Jordan, we can’t thank him enough. We don’t have a banner if it weren’t for him. He gave us everything he had for four years and we really appreciate what he gave us.”
“Felt like adding Chris gives us a chance to get better. Addresses some things for us overall as a team but also gives us some financial flexibility moving forward.”
Mike Dunleavy on why they decided to trade JP for CP
(via @anthonyVslater)
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) July 10, 2023
