Who was in the Jordan Poole trade?

Jordan Anthony Poole is an American basketball player who plays for the Washington Wizards. Known for his deep shooting range and flashy handles, he's earned the moniker of "Poole Party."

Poole burst onto the basketball scene when he played two stellar seasons at Michigan University. During the 2018 March Madness, Poole hit an iconic buzzer-beater in the second round, helping his team advance to the NCAA finals.

Performances at Michigan set the stage for his selection by the Golden State Warriors with the 28th overall pick in the first round of the 2019 NBA Draft. While his initial two seasons displayed steady growth, it was the 2021/22 season that showcased Poole's offensive power.

He evolved into a prolific finisher at the rim while displaying some insane dribble combos. His ball-handling finesse and proficient mid-range shot creation was a sight to behold. Although defensively he was poor, Poole's offensive game became lethal.

Poole started to get hailed as the "third Splash Brother" alongside Curry and Klay Thompson. He also led the NBA in free throw percentage in the 2021/22 season, edging out teammate Steph Curry. Poole’s contributions were pivotal in securing an 2022 NBA Finals victory against the Boston Celtics. Throughout the playoffs, Poole averaged 17.0 points, solidifying his status as a rising star in the league.

Jordan Poole Trade

'

On July 6, 2023, the Golden State Warriors executed a trade, sending Jordan Poole, Patrick Baldwin Jr., Ryan Rollins, a 2030 first-round pick, a 2027 second-round pick, and cash considerations to the Washington Wizards. In return, the Warriors acquired veteran point guard Chris Paul. This was a strategic move to bolster their roster with experienced players.

This trade was prompted by various factors, including Poole's disappointing performance, notably during the Western Conference Semifinals against the Lakers where he struggled to score. While these on-court challenges were evident reasons, the underlying cause for the trade was a significant altercation between Draymond Green and Jordan Poole that happened in the 2022 off season.

In a practice session, Green punched Poole hard on the chin, and video of that altercation was leaked by TMZ. Responding to the controversy, Draymond Green issued a public apology and took a brief hiatus from the team.

However, the fallout from this incident appeared to cast a shadow over the Warriors' 2022/23 season. Despite Poole playing the entire season, the impact of the altercation lingered, affecting his performance on the court. As a result, the Warriors made a pivotal decision to trade Poole to the Washington Wizards, marking a significant shift in the team dynamics.

Digging deeper, it became evident that the punch incident between Green and Poole had led to a strained atmosphere within the team. Head coach Steve Kerr, acknowledged the lack of trust among the players, and expressed that the Warriors were not operating as a championship-caliber team in the 2022/23 season. Draymond Green also accepted that his punch was a key factor in the Warriors premature playoff exit.