The Golden State Warriors' recent trade of Jordan Poole for Chris Paul has sparked discussion, particularly from Stephen Curry. The move, which sent the 25-year-old Poole to the Washington Wizards in exchange for the veteran Paul, surprised many. Curry, reflecting on the trade, acknowledged the business side of professional sports.
"The NBA landscape changes rapidly," Curry commented to The Athletic. "Six months ago, this trade seemed improbable. But as the offseason progresses, teams seek improvement and position themselves for another championship run." Curry recognized the sometimes difficult decisions required to achieve those goals.
Despite Paul's age of 38, Curry expressed optimism about the veteran point guard's contribution to the team. "Every team CP joins sees improvement. This speaks to his consistent performance and what he brings to a team. Discussions about his age are inevitable, but it's our responsibility to integrate everyone effectively."
Curry also expressed his feelings about Poole's exit. "Losing JP is difficult. It's the challenging aspect of this business, witnessing a young player develop and then be traded. We formed a friendship, a bond. It's a significant opportunity for him, and I wish him well."
The decision to trade Poole was influenced by several factors. The highly publicized altercation between Poole and Draymond Green before the 2022-23 season created ongoing tension. Green himself admitted the incident contributed to the Warriors' playoff loss to the Lakers. Poole's substantial salary, part of a four-year extension signed in October, added complexity. Finally, Poole's role within the team's long-term strategy, particularly as a potential successor to Curry, became uncertain.
Paul, still pursuing his first NBA championship, shared his enthusiasm about joining the Warriors. "We've known each other for a long time," Paul told ESPN about Curry. "I'm thrilled to play alongside him, Klay, Andrew, Draymond, the entire team. The Warriors have a remarkable organization, a team that has played together for years and possesses a deep understanding of the game."
