Steph Curry Reflects On Emotional Loss of Jordan Poole In Blockbuster Trade For Chris Paul

Photo: Instagram/Stephen Curry

Steph Curry, the renowned superstar of the Golden State Warriors, has opened up about the shocking trade that saw Jordan Poole being sent to the Washington Wizards in exchange for Chris Paul on draft day.

Although Curry acknowledges that surprises are an inherent part of the game, bidding farewell to a young and promising player like Poole can be emotionally challenging, especially when a seasoned veteran like Paul is the return in the trade. 

Curry recently spoke to Anthony Slater of The Athletic, stating, "The business is crazy. We all know that. If you asked us six months ago if this was something that could happen, the answer probably would’ve been no just based on where we were. 

Photo: Instagram/Stephen Curry

Then you get to the summer and are trying to find ways to get better and put yourself in position to chase another championship."

Curry recognizes the consistent impact that Paul has on every team he joins, disregarding the discussion around age. He believes that it is now the responsibility of the Warriors to integrate all the pieces and ensure they work effectively together.

Despite the positive outlook for the future with Paul, losing Poole, who was once seen as Curry's successor within the Warriors organization, is a bitter pill to swallow.

Curry shared his sentiments with Slater, saying, "You hate losing JP. I know it’s not all the way official yet. So I don’t want to talk too much before it is. But that’s the tough part of the business, seeing a young guy come into his own [and then get traded]. It’s a great opportunity for him. It’s just you get to know someone like that, build a friendship, build a bond."

The Warriors' decision to acquire Paul was driven by multiple factors. Poole's substantial salary, which would become effective next season, played a significant role in the trade.

Additionally, the move aligned with the team's win-now mindset, causing them to part ways with Poole and reportedly relinquish their 2022 draft picks Patrick Baldwin Jr. and Ryan Rollins to the Washington Wizards.

Paul, who is also focused on winning, expressed his excitement about playing alongside Curry and the Warriors' championship core as he seeks his first NBA championship ring in his 18-year career.

In light of exchanging a 24-year-old guard for a 38-year-old, Curry understands the perception from the outside but firmly believes that Paul increases their chances of capturing another NBA title. He told Slater, "It’s tough to see [Poole] go, but, you know, we’re trying to win next year and CP can help us do that."

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Source: Yahoo Sports