Whether or not the Wizards trade Jordan Poole, the mere discussion highlights where the franchise is headed—and how far they are from contending
Moving Poole would signify a hard reset and commitment to building around younger players and future draft capital.
For Poole, a trade could be a chance to revive his reputation. In the right environment—ideally with more structure and veteran guidance—he still has the tools to be a major offensive weapon.
Either way, fans are watching, tweeting, and debating. And in the drama-filled world of NBA transactions, sometimes the off-court stories are just as thrilling as the games themselves.
The Wizards have struggled for relevance for much of the past decade. Outside of a few strong seasons with John Wall and Bradley Beal, the franchise has too often found itself stuck in NBA purgatory—not good enough to contend, but not bad enough to rebuild properly.
By fully committing to a rebuild and constructing their future around an exciting group of young players, Washington has chosen a path that could eventually lead to sustainable success.
Moving Jordan Poole would simply be the next logical step in that journey—a move that makes space, both financially and developmentally, for the next generation of Wizards stars.
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Table of Contents
Jordan Poole Trade Rumors
A Divisive Turning Point in Washington’s Rebuild
The 2024 NBA Draft is not just about welcoming fresh talent into the league—it’s also shaping up to be a key moment for veterans whose future with their current teams is in question.1
One of those players is Jordan Poole, who, according to NBA Big Board’s Rafael Barlowe, could be moved by the Washington Wizards either on draft night or later this offseason.
Poole, still just 25, has only been in Washington for one season. Yet, his name has rapidly surfaced as a potential trade asset—signaling a pivotal moment in the Wizards’ rebuilding journey.
From Warriors Flash to Wizards Reboot
Poole was traded to Washington in the summer of 2023 after a rollercoaster 2022-23 season with the Golden State Warriors.
He had been instrumental in the Warriors’ 2022 title run but experienced a turbulent follow-up season marked by inconsistency and the infamous preseason altercation with Draymond Green.
When Poole arrived in D.C., expectations were high. He was seen as a player who could potentially be the cornerstone of a rebuilding team. However, his season with the Wizards was uneven.
While he displayed his trademark scoring flurries, questions about his shot selection, efficiency, and defensive commitment persisted.
A Youth Movement in Washington
The Wizards are fully embracing a youth-oriented rebuild, which has led them to consider moving Poole to open up minutes for other young guards, including whoever they select in the first round of the 2024 draft.
As Barlowe noted, Poole’s trade could be “part of Washington’s broader draft strategy.”
It’s a move that aligns with Washington’s long-term approach: gather draft assets, clear cap space, and develop a young, homegrown core. In that context, Poole’s presence—and hefty contract—may not fit the timeline.
Jordan Poole’s Upside: Still Worth the Gamble?
Despite the rocky start in Washington, Poole showed flashes of his scoring prowess in the second half of the season.2
One fan on X (formerly Twitter) pointed out:
“He was good last season after his rocky Washington start. Shot damn near 40% from 3 on 9 attempts per game.”
For teams in need of offensive firepower, Poole represents a high-risk, high-reward option.
He has shown the ability to put up big numbers, especially when given the freedom to create off the dribble. The key question remains: Can he become more efficient and make better decisions with the ball?
The Contract Factor
Another reason the Wizards might look to move Poole is his four-year, $128 million contract, which kicked in during the 2023-24 season.
While his salary could be considered manageable for a high-scoring guard in today’s NBA, it becomes less appealing for a rebuilding team with no immediate playoff aspirations.
Poole’s deal could be more palatable to a win-now team looking for bench scoring or a shot creator alongside established stars.
Lets go to work DC🪄
— Jordan Poole (@Not_Poole) June 22, 2023
Fan Reactions: A Tale of Two Sides
The buzz around Poole’s potential departure has divided Wizards fans. On one hand, many are ready to see the team fully commit to a clean slate.
One fan posted:
“Wizards take a step forward then 5 steps back 💔”
Others, however, are not ready to give up on the Poole experiment:
“He’s so good. Let the Poole party continue.”
Then there are Golden State Warriors fans who are still emotionally attached to Poole, with some even calling for a reunion:
“@warriors Bring our boy back home please! He’s a shot maker and a shot creator, something the team desperately needs outside of @StephenCurry30.”
Could Jordan Poole Head Back to Golden State?
The most intriguing social media suggestion came from a fan who proposed a Jordan Poole for Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski swap—a move that would certainly raise eyebrows across the league:
“I think that, ironically, a Poole for Kuminga (maybe Kuminga + Podz?) swap would be ideal for both teams right now.”
While this trade is purely speculative, it reflects growing sentiments that Golden State still needs offense off the bench, especially with Klay Thompson’s departure and uncertainty surrounding Chris Paul’s future. Poole could theoretically give them a familiar and reliable scoring option.
Meanwhile, Kuminga and Podziemski represent young, versatile assets who would perfectly align with Washington’s youth movement.
Draft Night or Later? Timing Will Be Crucial
Barlowe’s report didn’t specify when a Poole trade could go down, but draft night offers a compelling window.
If the Wizards are targeting a particular prospect or want to jump up in the order, Poole could serve as a trade chip to sweeten the deal.
Alternatively, Washington might choose to wait until free agency dust settles, giving other teams a chance to reassess their backcourt depth or injury situations before striking a deal.
The Poole Conundrum: Talent vs. Fit
Jordan Poole’s situation exemplifies a growing theme in the NBA: the difference between a player’s individual talent and his fit within a team structure.
Poole has undeniable scoring ability, but in Washington, he often looked like a player without a defined role.
The offense wasn’t built around him, yet he wasn’t always willing to adapt to a secondary playmaking role either.
That made for some inefficient outings and, at times, visible frustration on the court.
A fresh start on a better-structured team could help maximize his potential.
Ideal Destinations for Poole
If Washington does pull the trigger on a trade, several teams could be logical landing spots for Poole:
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Orlando Magic – In need of guards who can shoot and create in the halfcourt.
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San Antonio Spurs – Looking to add talent around Victor Wembanyama.
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Toronto Raptors – Could use a scoring boost next to Scottie Barnes.
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Miami Heat – Always a wild card when it comes to reclamation projects.
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Golden State Warriors – A sentimental and strategic option.
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Jordan Poole’s Misfit Role in the Rebuild
When the Wizards acquired Jordan Poole from the Golden State Warriors in 2023, there was hope that he could be a focal point of the offense and perhaps even evolve into a franchise cornerstone.3
After all, Poole had shown explosive scoring ability during his time with the Warriors and was a key contributor to their 2022 championship run.
But his time in Washington has been rocky. While Poole certainly had moments of offensive brilliance, he also struggled with efficiency, decision-making, and defensive effort.
More importantly, at 25 years old and on a sizable contract, he no longer fits the Wizards’ timeline. The franchise is now focused on players under 23 who can grow together over the next several years.
A trade involving Poole isn’t just a possibility—it’s becoming increasingly likely.
Why Trading Poole Makes Sense
There are a number of reasons why the Wizards could benefit from moving Jordan Poole this offseason:
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Freeing up playing time: With Carrington, George, and Coulibaly expected to take on more prominent roles next season, Poole’s presence in the backcourt could limit their development. Trading him opens up minutes for the younger guards.
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Financial flexibility: Poole is owed roughly $95 million over the next three years. Shedding that salary would help the Wizards create future cap space and avoid being tied down by a player who might not be part of their long-term plan.
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Recouping assets: Even though Poole’s stock isn’t as high as it once was, there are teams around the league that could see value in his scoring ability—especially contenders looking for bench firepower. Washington could still land a draft pick or a young player in return.
Jordan Poole: Middleton and Smart
Veteran Chips on the Move?
Jordan Poole isn’t the only name potentially on the move this summer. Sports Illustrated’s Jeremy Brener recently reported that there’s interest around the league in two more veterans currently associated with the Wizards: Khris Middleton and Marcus Smart.
While Middleton and Smart aren’t official Wizards players at the time of writing, the possibility of them being acquired and flipped (or moved as part of multi-team deals) has become part of league chatter.
If Middleton opts into his contract, he becomes an intriguing expiring deal. Likewise, Marcus Smart, despite his injury issues and age, remains a respected two-way guard who can offer leadership and toughness. Both could appeal to contenders looking to bolster their rosters ahead of a championship push.
If the Wizards were to acquire or already hold their rights, dealing them for draft capital or prospects would align with the organization’s strategy.
A Youth Movement Centered Around Sarr, Carrington, and Coulibaly
The success of the 2024 NBA Draft cannot be overstated. Alex Sarr, a long and versatile big man, has the tools to become a dominant defender and transition threat. His motor, length, and switchability make him the type of anchor modern defenses are built around.
Bub Carrington, a high-IQ point guard with playmaking instincts, was a revelation during Summer League and carried that over into the regular season—ultimately earning All-Rookie First Team honors alongside Sarr. Kyshawn George, a wing with length and shooting upside, gives the Wizards a versatile offensive option.
And let’s not forget Bilal Coulibaly. Entering his second season, Coulibaly has shown tremendous growth and could take a major leap in 2025. His length and defensive instincts give Washington another perimeter disruptor with significant upside.
Together, this quartet forms one of the most intriguing young cores in the league.
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Looking Ahead to 2025 and Beyond
Realistically, the Wizards won’t be contending for a playoff spot next season. That’s not the goal. What Washington is building requires patience and a commitment to player development.
If they execute this vision properly—surrounding their young stars with the right veterans, investing in development infrastructure, and making savvy draft choices—the Wizards could be a force by 2027.
The 2025 NBA Draft could be another opportunity to stack assets, especially if Washington finishes near the bottom of the standings. There’s also the potential for additional trades, including moving up in the draft or acquiring more picks.
The emphasis will be on spacing the floor, creating a switchable defense, and allowing the younger players to grow through reps—even if it comes at the cost of wins in the short term.
What Should the Wizards Prioritize Next?
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Player development: The growth of Sarr, Carrington, George, and Coulibaly should be the central focus next season. They need consistent roles, clear feedback, and freedom to make mistakes.
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Trading remaining veterans: Whether it’s Poole, Middleton (if acquired), Smart, or anyone else outside the youth core, Washington should continue to seek opportunities to flip veterans for long-term value.
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Establishing team culture: With Brian Keefe at the helm, the Wizards have a chance to establish a fresh identity—one built on accountability, energy, and a defense-first mentality.
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Front-office patience: Rebuilding takes time. The front office must resist the temptation to chase short-term wins and instead stay the course.
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