One NBA insider has proposed that the Golden State Warriors trade forward Jonathan Kuminga and shooting guard Jordan Poole to the Toronto Raptors for forward OG Anunoby to get superstar point guard Stephen Curry more help.
Bleacher Report’s Grant Hughes believes Poole needs a fresh start somewhere else.
“Why? Whether it was the preseason punch, a zillion early-season palming violations, the league figuring him out or general dissatisfaction with his role, Jordan Poole played like a guy who had a foot out the door all season,” Hughes wrote. “His failure to fill a critical playoff niche as the Golden State Warriors’ main shot-creator behind Stephen Curry sealed the deal.”
“The Warriors need depth, someone who’ll play within their system, and financial relief, and the best way to get some of those things is to trade Poole, who’ll probably be better off running his own show without a teammate that tried to knock him out,” Hughes explained.
Anunoby averaged 16.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in 2022-23 for the Raptors while shooting 47.6% from the floor, 38.7% from beyond the arc, and 83.8% from the free-throw line. The versatile swingman from London signed a four-year, $72 million rookie contract extension with Toronto in December 2020.
Anunoby is eligible to sign a new extension with the Raptors in the fall. The Indiana product will make $18.6 million in 2023-24 and has a player option worth $19.9 million for 2024-25.
Curry and the Warriors lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference Semifinals in six games. Some pundits believe Golden State’s dynasty is over, but as long as Curry is healthy and playing at an elite level, the Dubs should be contenders.
Anunoby has career averages of 11.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.5 assists. He won the 2019 championship with the Raptors over the Warriors.
Source: https:/clutchpoints.com
