Jordan Poole Has Already Earned His Warriors Extension

In one season, Jordan Poole has gone from role player to a present and future core piece of the Warriors’ bid to reestablish their dynasty status.

The 22-year-old — not the Splash Brothers — led the Warriors to victory in Game 1 against Memphis on Sunday, going 12-20 for a team-high 31 points, his fourth game shooting better than 60% this postseason.

But if Golden State wants the third-year pro to slot in with Steph Curry and Klay Thompson going forward, he’ll be expensive after a breakout postseason — he’ll likely command more than the four-year, $80 million deal he’s rumored to be seeking.

• Golden State ($179M) has the highest payroll in the NBA and a league-high $170.3 million luxury tax bill.
• Six games in, Poole’s averaging 22.7 points and six assists on 56% FG and 48.8% from three — the highest 3PT% on the team
• He’s the 11th-highest-paid Warrior this season ($2.2M).

The Warriors can delay the extension and make him a restricted free agent during the summer of 2023, but that would put them in risky territory. 

Other teams with more cap space would be able to put down an offer sheet that Golden State might not be able to match. 

The Warriors will have roughly $11 million in cap space if they pass on an extension this summer — which will give them more flexibility to sign Poole for the right price and duration.