The Golden State Warriors have been moving forward since a staff member leaked the video of Draymond Green punching Jordan Poole. Many have speculated that the Green-Poole altercation would derail their championship hopes. The unique pattern shows the Warriors’ ability to rally together despite insurmountable challenges. Throughout the last three seasons, the Warriors battled through injuries, roster reconstructions, and losing a generation of talent in Kevin Durant. Still, the Warriors managed to win another championship title.Now the Warriors have the chance to defend their title, but the contract arrangements of Poole and Wiggins need to be the priority. Veteran leader Draymond Green needs more productivity because his stats have declined over the past three seasons, the big question is, what is Green’s foreseeable future with the Warriors?
Draymond Green is under contract through 2024, guaranteeing him $25.8 million this year and includes a $27.6 million player option next season. On Saturday, the Warriors announced the contract extensions for Jordan Pool and Andrew Wiggins. Poole agreed to a four-year, $140 million contract extension, his agents, Drew Morrison and Austin Brown of CAA Sports, told ESPN. Andrew Wiggins agreed to a four-year $109 million contract extension. The deal includes a player option in the final year that ties him with the warriors for five-year $143 million, his agents, Drew Morrison and Steven Heumann of CAA Sports, told ESPN. The Warriors are boxed in a financial corner to keep together their championship roster. The Warriors sit with the second-highest payroll and luxury tax of $483 million, something Owner Joe Lacob refused to do.
Next off-season, the Warriors will have to see what other teams have available cap space to take on any aspiring contracts. The possibility of Golden State retaining an extension for Green is very low. With the Warriors securing the contracts of Poole and Wiggins, they will insert them as the cornerstone for years to come. Veteran sharpshooter Klay Thompson looks to ramp up into peak form in his second year back from his catastrophic injury. The return of Wiseman will provide the Warriors depth with versatility and defensive intensity. Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody will find notable roles this season as the Warriors make a deep playoff push. The youthful energy, exuberance and championship pedigree make the Warriors a clear-cut title contender.