The Golden State Warriors and Washington Wizards reportedly have agreed to a blockbuster deal just a few hours ahead of the 2023 NBA Draft.
Golden State will bring in veteran point guard Chris Paul in exchange for multiple draft picks and Jordan Poole, getting Golden State off of the major extension it signed Poole to last offseason.
Since making the trade, the Warriors' odds to win the NBA Finals have jumped from +1300 to +1200, a sign that oddsmakers think Paul makes the team a contender more than Poole.
Warriors' odds to win the NBA Finals
Does Chris Paul make the Warriors contenders again?
Adding Paul gives the Warriors new dynamic with Paul and Steph Curry being able to play together in the backcourt, but long term this is a great move for Golden State's cap situation.
The team can waive Paul after this season, whose salary for the 2024-25 season is non guaranteed, to keep them under the second apron of the luxury tax in the new collective bargaining agreement.
This also opens up a bit of a window for the Warriors to bring back Draymond Green to keep the core of Green, Curry and Klay Thompson together.
Poole was awful in the playoffs in the 2022-23 season, falling into a much smaller role with his shot not falling for Golden State. Paul is a steady veteran that gives the Warriors insurance if Curry goes down – and he can help bring out a new dimension of Curry's game when he plays off the ball.
At +1200, Golden State is still a great pick to win the NBA Finals as long as Curry is on the roster.
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Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.
