Stephen Curry Was the Reason Behind Jordan Poole’s Washington Trade, as Per Ex-Warriors Star

Do you remember what transpired during the Detroit Pistons’ 1989-’90 NBA Championship run? After a few seasons of brewing tensions between Isiah Thomas and Adrian Dantley, the Pistons had had enough. Despite being their top scorer, Dantley was traded to the Dallas Mavericks—midway through the season—and he felt it was all because of team leader Isiah Thomas. Fast forward 33 years, and the Golden State Warriors traded a young Jordan Poole—not to mention one of the heroes of the 2022 NBA Finals—for an aging Chris Paul. And as it turns out, it was all because of team leader Stephen Curry. But was it because of intra-team tensions?

The answer is no. Yes, there were signs of tension in the team, but not between Stephen Curry and Jordan Poole. They were between Draymond Green and the 24-year-old, highlighted when the four-time NBA All-Star punched Poole—something Green has done a lot of lately. But as it turns out, the trade between the Warriors and the Washington Wizards had nothing to do with the fight. At least, that’s what former Warriors star Jamal Crawford had to say.

Stephen Curry and Jordan Poole are puzzle pieces that don’t match

On an episode of Broken Play, Crawford and the hosts were discussing the Warriors’ state right now, especially considering one of their star players, Green, is indefinitely suspended. When asked if the Warriors are missing Poole after the trade, Crawford said, “My take on that is this: It came down to Draymond or Jordan. And not because of the fight; it came down to who fit better with Steph.”

Poole brought with him an explosiveness to score. Green, on the other hand, brings with him his defensive prowess while also being one of the best passers, complementing Curry’s game. “At the end of the day, Steph needs Jordan, but he really needs Draymond. He’s the motor, a point guard. He’s a thinker on the court. His contract essentially replaced his. But to me, it was who fit better with Steph over the next four years,” explained the three-time Sixth Man of the Year.

During his time with the Warriors, Jordan Poole didn’t gain the consistency he wanted and the team needed. But Green has shown time and again that he can show up when the Warriors and, more importantly, Stephen Curry need him. At the end of the day, the Warriors know that they have a chance as long as Stephen Curry is on the court. So, the best option for the team is to maximize his potential by surrounding him with pieces that can elevate his play, which is why everyone’s desperately awaiting the return of Green.

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Curry is patiently waiting for Draymond Green’s return

The Warriors have not talked much about Draymond Green since his indefinite suspension after striking Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic in the face. While the Warriors are trying to stay afloat without the heart of their team, Stephen Curry recently opened up about the situation.

Following the loss to the Mavericks, Curry revealed, “We haven’t talked about him much since he’s been gone, you know, for a reason. The space, allowing him to make the progress he needs to make.” While Steve Kerr and the rest of the Warriors are allowing him time to make progress amidst Green’s string of suspensions, they believe the real change needs to come from Green himself.

There’s no doubt that the Warriors are missing their star power forward. Considering they were already having a tough season, his absence has only raised more questions about their chances this season. But as they focus on “staying competitive while [Green] is out,” Curry is certainly hoping for Green’s return to the lineup soon.

Do you agree with Jamal Crawford’s reasoning that Draymond Green is a better fit for Stephen Curry than Jordan Poole? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

Read More: Stephen Curry Slams Draymond Green’s Violent Behavior but Refuses to Turn His Back on Suspended Star: “Everyone’s Got Mountains to Climb”