The Golden State Warriors have made some decisions that many questioned during the 2023 offseason. The sanctioning of Jordan Poole’s deal is one of those big decisions that the team has taken ahead of a new season. However, the team’s General Manager believed it wasn’t a hard decision to make.
Amid all the questions surrounding Jordan’s deal, Steve Kerr has recently hailed the Warriors for assembling what seems to be a high-IQ roster for the team which includes the addition of Chris Paul as they look to reclaim the NBA championship in the coming season.
Kerr sheds light on game-changing element in Warriors’ lineup
As the Golden State Warriors began their training camp, they were dealing with what coach Steve Kerr described as the most significant crisis during his time there. This incident remained unresolved, causing division within the locker room and affecting their performance on the court. In July, when the Warriors swapped Jordan Poole for Chris Paul, there were concerns about how this move might impact team chemistry.
The addition of Chris Paul, Jrue Holiday, and others has improved a crucial aspect of the Warriors that might become the determining factor if they manage to surprise everyone by reclaiming their status as genuine contenders. In a recent press conference Steve Kerr told the media of the Warriors assembling a High-IQ team and is happy about the intelligence of the Dubs’ new players.
Chris Paul is well-known for his exceptional playmaking and leadership skills. However, Kerr also highlighted players who may not be future Hall of Famers, such as rookie Brandin Podziemski, veteran point guard Cory Joseph, and versatile forward Dario Saric. Podziemski, the 19th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, has particularly stood out in training camp with his offensive abilities and strong defensive work ethic. Fans are eager to see the new-look Warriors roster dominate the NBA courts.
Warriors’ GM defends decision to trade Jordan Poole for Chris Paul
One of the most controversial deals during the offseason was when the Golden State Warriors sent Jordan Poole to the Washington Wizards in a deal to get Chris Paul in return. Many people questioned the deal because Jordan Poole is a 24-year-old player full of talent while Chris Paul is 38 years old at the twilight of his career.
While many have questioned this decision, General Manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. has made some bold claims about it. As per a report by The Athletic, the GM said, “I always say for me the decision to (trade for) Chris was easy.”
The Warriors are heading into the 2023-24 season with Chris Paul on their roster. It may sound unsettling, but the franchise appears quite optimistic about the trade that brought them the 38-year-old point guard. The GM also said this to support the trade, “But in terms of basketball and moving forward, financial flexibility, all that stuff you factor in, it was a relatively easy decision for us.”
Although the move may seem peculiar, it does make sense from a contractual standpoint. The Warriors can part ways with Chris Paul’s $30 million-a-year contract as early as next year. Jordan Poole is under contract for four more seasons, earning an average of $32 million per year. This trade provides the Warriors with significant flexibility moving forward.
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