"Warriors make the damn call" - NBA fans react to Jordan Poole being shopped by Wizards in draft night shake-up
Jordan Poole is the latest name to be added to the list of players that could be moved during the NBA draft. The guard has been with the Washington Wizards since 2023, but the team could use him as an asset to help them maneuver in the draft as their rebuild continues. Fans reacted to the news on social media, displaying a clear divide in opinion about the move.
Poole joined the Wizards after a tumultuous 2022-23 season with the Golden State Warriors. According to NBA Big Board's Rafael Barlowe in an article published on Wednesday, Washington's motivation behind trading the 25-year-old guard away is focused on their youth. The team wants to open up more minutes for their guards and their first-round pick this season.
"Also worth noting — around the league, there’s growing belief that Jordan Poole could be moved, either on draft night or later this summer," Barlowe said. "That potential shake-up adds another layer to Washington’s draft strategy and could open up a path for a new backcourt face."
Fans took to social media to voice their opinions on the trade. Some Wizards supporters are all for the trade, ready to see Poole moved to another team. One fan joked that the Golden State Warriors should try to reunite with their former guard on draft night.
Warriors make the damn call now
@warriors Bring our boy back home please! He’s a shot maker and a shot creator, something the team desperately needs outside of @StephenCurry30.
I think that, ironically, a Poole for Kuminga (maybe Kuminga + Podz?) swap would be ideal for both teams right now
However, others were discouraged, saying they would be sad to see the former champion leave their team.
He’s so good. Let the Poole party continue
Wizards take a step forward then 5 steps back 💔
He was good last season after his rocky Washington start. Shot damn near 40% from 3 on 9 attempts per game
A Jordan Poole trade could be the first of many moves for the Washington Wizards this summer
The Washington Wizards have the sixth and 18th picks in the first round of this year's draft. After walking away with Alex Sarr, Bub Carrington and Kyshawn George in the 2024 draft, the organization has built a solid young core. The team and coach Brian Keefe have said that getting their youth experience is one of Washington's main points of emphasis next season.
At this point in their rebuild, Poole is too old to fit into their rebuild. However, he is not the only veteran who could be traded away by the Wizards this summer. There are varying levels of interest around the league for Khris Middleton and Marcus Smart, according to Sports Illustrated's Jeremy Brener. Both players are on expiring contracts if Middleton picks up his player option this summer.
Washington could move them to free up minutes for their new first-round picks and get future assets in return. The Wizards saw Carrington and Sarr make the NBA All-Rookie First team. Those two, combined with George and Bilal Coulibaly, give the team a bright future. Washington might not be considered a contender next season, but their core is one of the more intriguing ones in the league.