A rebuilding Eastern Conference squad is likely to become a predator in snagging Jordan Poole out of the Golden State Warriors.
As reported by Sean Deveney of Heavy, an anonymous league executive thinks that the Orlando Magic would pursue Poole once the Warriors allow him to hit the restricted free agency.
Poole will officially hit the restricted free agent status next year should him and the Dubs won’t reach an agreement for rookie scale extension before this upcoming 2022-2023 season.
The Warriors can pass on an extension for Poole if they choose, allowing him to become a restricted free agent next summer. If he gets there, one league executive speculates that we can expect at least one team with cap space to be ready to pounce. “I’d watch out for the Magic to be ready to make an offer if he’s restricted, knowing there’s a good chance Golden State is not going to match,” one Eastern Conference executive told Heavy Sports.
Given that the Warriors currently hold the biggest luxury tax in the league, the long-term stay of Poole is indeed unguaranteed for now. Other than the former Michigan standout, star wingman Andrew Wiggin’s looming contract status has to be monitored also.
Poole has blossomed in his third season with the reigning champ Warriors, averaging 18.5 points, 4.0 assists, 3.4 boards, per game while showing some flashes of being the potential future cornerstone of the franchise following the reign of Stephen Curry.
Still at 23 years of age and continuing to expand his game, rival teams will certainly shoot their respective shots in order to acquire his production and firepower.
As such, if ever the Magic shockingly lands him with their spacious cap room, he’ll be the perfect foundation of their ongoing rebuild with Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs on his side.
