The terms of the Bradley Beal trade are solidified. Phoenix won’t have ANY draft picks until 2031. Long past the time any of the current players will be on the roster. The Suns did a great job maximizing what little they had for another top scorer, but it’s they’re not on a clear path for a championship.
On the heels of that deal being completed the Warriors got in the mix for Chris Paul.
Wizards Receive: Jordan Poole, 2027 2nd round pick, 2030 1st round pick (with protections)
Warriors Receive: Chris Paul
Draymond Green declined his $27.5m player option and became a free agent this. The preseason Jordan Poole practice punch was rather quickly quieted once the season began, but once it was over reports surfaced again that bad blood lingered. With Poole shipped off perhaps Green will return on a longer deal. Steve Kerr was recently on his podcast and recent comments suggest he’ll interest in a mutual re-signing. Green is certainly aware of criticism that he’s won championships off the back of Curry his entire career that would provide a lure for him to find another situate to win and prove otherwise. It’s also unknown to the public who leaked the video of the practice where Green punched Poole, perhaps breaking trust with the star but resolution in that area is unknown. It’s estimate that moving Poole saves $140m. Moving a young asset could be seen now and in the future as a mistake if Poole evolves into a star but his inconsistent shooting, horrid defense, turnovers and so-so play off of teammates made him unplayable in the playoffs. Perhaps his slump during the season into the playoffs was due to the preseason incident. Either way, it seems Green or Poole couldn’t inhabit the same locker room. Chris Paul doesn’t seem like an awesome fit at first glance, but he could be a HUGE addition when it matters, in the playoffs. Paul doesn’t need to play major minutes during the season, he setup the offense, he’s smart on the both sides of the ball, and he won’t make big mistakes. Moving picks and a young player for another 30+ year old on a huge contract is no longer a rarity. The Clippers, Nets, Suns, Timberwolves are all teams who have given up significate young prospects and future assets for immediately contending teams in the past few years to mixed and pending results.
Kyle Kuzma has declined his player option and is headed to free agency and Kristaps Porzingis is on his way to Boston.
