Proposed trade sees Warriors sell Jordan Poole to Rockets

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Jordan Poole of the Golden State Warriors.

Despite being the reigning NBA champion, the Golden State Warriors are in a tough spot. Four of their core players will need contract extensions over the next two seasons – Draymond Green, Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins and Jordan Poole.

The latter of the three could also make a lot of money. Corresponding NBC Sports Bay Area’s Dalton Johnson, Poole’s value goes up and up. With the New York Knicks awarding RJ Barrett a four-year, $120 million extension, Poole could ask for about that much or even more.

If that’s the case, the question is whether the Warriors are willing to give him such a large contract extension. They have until October 17 to grant him an extension and if they don’t he could go on limited free reign. When that happens, it would be wise to explore sign-and-trade opportunities. Here’s an example of a potential deal with the Houston Rockets.

Warriors get: Eric Gordon, 2024 2nd round pick, 2026 2nd round pick

Get Missiles: poole

It’s important to note that the only reason this sign-and-trade works for both teams is because the Rockets wouldn’t have to do it. They will have enough money to sign Poole immediately. So if they didn’t want to make a deal, they could just steal it without giving Golden State anything in return.

However, there is some incentive for both sides to reach an agreement.

Why both teams take this trade

For the Warriors, they would be a huge incentive to strike a deal just because otherwise they’d lose Poole for nothing. If they make the decision that they don’t want to pay him, getting something for Poole could be seen as a win.

Gordon’s return may not be a great addition from the Warriors fans’ perspective, but it could help them get in an extra season. He will earn almost $21 million in the last year of his contract, but it would only be fully guaranteed if he makes the All-Star team or his team wins the title (which could be possible).

Also, it might not seem like a huge salary difference, but when you factor in tax, it would be massive. Poole is reported to be making over $30 million, and factoring in the tax would save the Warriors a lot of money.

In the meantime, the Rockets might be willing to make that deal because they really have no use for Gordon anymore. It’s possible they can find a deal for him this year, but if they don’t, that deal could be on the table. Throwing in two second-round picks would be their way of ensuring the Warriors didn’t honor the deal.

That being said, Johnson noted how difficult the negotiations will be.

Expanding Poole will be difficult

Johnson wrote for NBC Sports on Aug. 30 about Golden State’s ugly financial situation and mentioned how difficult it will be.

“Of all the financial questions the Warriors will have to answer in the near future, what to do with Poole should be at the top of their to-do list.” Johnson wrote. “The last thing the franchise wants is to find a new home for its own developmental story with star potential. It will not be easy.”

There’s a serious chance Poole will end up on a new team next season, but for now, fans can enjoy watching him play for the Warriors.