The Washington Wizards won’t be in contention this season, but they’re over the salary cap and just $9.8 million below the luxury tax. Part of the blame lies with Jordan Poole. He’s their highest-paid player, despite being one of the worst in the NBA by most advanced metrics last season. Poole has three years left on his contract, and he could determine the future of the team.
Washington is focused on developing young talent and has just added a building block in Alex Sarr. They hope the 7’4″ player can become a superstarThe Wizards need an elite player if they want to get back in contention, and he may already be on their roster.
Things are going to be tough if Poole is paid $95.5 million over the next three seasons. His production needs to improve significantly, or the Wizards would need a trade partner. Fans can bet Washington has been looking, but Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report offered this hypothetical surprise in his article on Trading the worst contracts in the NBAHere’s a more detailed look.
The Clippers are opening a fabulous new arena and are looking to contend this season. The loss of Paul George hurt, and LA needs more offense to seriously compete in a crowded Western Conference. They have Kawhi Leonard and James Harden but need someone else who can score baskets and create offense.
Poole is certainly available and offers the Clippers a chance to save some money and get rid of two unwanted contracts. LA would need to be certain Poole would have a chance to win, and fans have seen that he could be a strong sixth man in Golden State. Here’s a look at the hypothetical deal.
The Clippers weren’t willing to pay Paul George, so adding three years of Jordan Poole seems unlikely. Owner Steve Ballmer won’t be happy if the franchise falters in its first year in its new arena. Poole could be exactly the injection of offense they need, and the Clippers won’t give much to get him.
LA would buy Poole at all-time low, but should Washington be interested?
The Wizards owe Poole $95.5 million over three seasons or they could pay $51.2 million combined for Powell and Tucker. It’s a no-brainer in terms of cost savings.
Tucker is in the final year of his contract and would likely be bought out immediately.
Norman Powell has finished fourth in Sixth Man of the Year voting for two straight seasons. The Wizards could let him go and consider trading him in the summer of 2025 because of his expiring contract. There would certainly be interest, especially if he averages close to 20 points per game and shoots close to 40 percent from three-point range.
Grade: A+
This is a no-brainer for Washington. They are getting rid of their worst contract to save big and clear their cap early. The Wizards are focused on developing young talent and would like to trade Poole. Finding a buyer for his contract where Washington doesn’t give up a first-round pick would be a huge win.
The Washington Wizards are hoping Jordan Poole will bounce back, but there are no guarantees. It’s going to be a tough season in the U.S. capital. Fans will be forced to look at development and growth rather than winning. Trading Poole could help them achieve those goals, but fans shouldn’t count on it.
