Warriors Rumors: Dubs Could Trade Jordan Poole For Kevin Durant

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Kevin Durant associated with the Golden State Warriors.

So far this summer, most conversations surrounding the Golden State Warriors have revolved around their upcoming financial woes. Despite winning an NBA championship just a few months ago, the only topic raised is whether or not Golden State can sign its four key members.

Over the course of the next two seasons, Draymond Green, Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins and Jordan Poole will all need contract extensions. Golden State is unlikely to part ways with Green or Thompson as they are a package deal with curry. In turn, they will likely have to choose between Wiggins and Poole.

While Wiggins is more willing to stay with the team and keep winning, there’s a chance Poole, aged just 23, would rather spread his wings and play in a bigger role elsewhere.

And according to sources who spoke to Heavy.com’s Sean Deveney, the Warriors might even consider swapping him out for Kevin Durant, just like they did with Harrison Barnes all those years ago.

“It depends on how they go about this contract, but if he feels like they don’t want him, yes, he’s the one I could imagine looking elsewhere, like Barnes did. Of course they replaced Barnes with Durant. Maybe they’ll do the same with Poole,” a Western Conference executive told Deveney.

Whether or not they could actually land Durant is unknown, but they would almost certainly try to replace Poole in some capacity.

As for Wiggins, it seems unlikely that he will leave.

Wiggins is more likely to stay with Warriors

When Wiggins joined the Warriors, his value was at an all-time low. Even the Timberwolves put on him a first to get D’Angelo Russell. Now he may be more inclined to stay in the Golden State.

“Wiggins is like the opposite version of Harrison Barnes, where Barnes won rings early on, then wanted to get a bigger role and be the star,” the West executive said. “He’s had to do that for some bad teams and now it’s like, ‘Gosh, I wish I could win again.’ Wiggins goes the opposite way. He’s determined to stay with the Warriors if they can pay him.”

Choosing between Wiggins and Poole will not be an easy decision. Both are great players who played a crucial role in the team’s championship run last season. But Golden State just can’t afford to pay everyone.

And while it might seem wiser to cut ties with one of the older guys, Stephen Curry wouldn’t approve.

Curry calls the shots when it comes to final decisions

Given the age of Golden State’s star trio, it might be wise to prioritize Wiggins and Poole over Green and Thompson. However, Curry almost certainly wouldn’t let that happen.

“Steph scares them in this front office. I mean, within reason. Steph wanted Avery Bradley last year, but they wanted Gary Payton II. They didn’t listen to him and there was no problem with that. I think Steph likes having a voice but doesn’t get involved in dictating movements.

“Klay and Draymond, but that would be different. If they moved on from either of them, they’d better argue to Steph why. Or they can alienate him. I don’t know what fucked up Steph would handle, he never seems like that. But they don’t want to find out. They can move any guy, they just have to realize they have to argue with Steph for that,” said a Western Conference executive.

Keep an eye on Poole and Wiggins as the Warriors try to manage their financial woes. (And maybe even Durant.)