Breaking down reported Warriors trade for Chris Paul, sending Poole, pick to Wizards

The Golden State Warriors are taking the “damn the luxury tax, full speed ahead” approach to next season and another run at an NBA title.

The Washington Wizards have agreed to trade Chris Paul to the Warriors for Jordan Poole, Ryan Hollins, a top-20 protected 2030 first-round pick, and a 2027 second-round pick, a story broken by Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN and since confirmed by a number of others.

The Wizards had just received CP3 as part of the trade that sent Bradley Beal to the Suns, and nobody thought Paul would be with Washington long. He also wanted to get back out West, close to his family in Los Angeles, and playing for the Warriors does fill that requirement.

It is an all-in move by the Warriors, although one that raises questions. For the Wizards, it’s the first of many players they got in trades that they will flip for picks and other players (including Poole). Here is a quick breakdown of the trade.

• First, a bit of CBA housekeeping: This trade cannot be officially consummated until July 6. Poole’s extension starting at $27.5 million does not kick in until July 1, and then there is a moratorium until the sixth. Also, while this may be perceived as part of the Beal trade, the Wizards are technically making two trades, one to acquire Paul and one to send him out to the Warriors.

• This is an all-in for this season move by the Warriors, with ownership clearly signing off on a massive tax bill for one more year to chase a ring. Next season Paul’s $30 million contract is off the books, as is Klay Thompson who is entering the final season of his max contract. (The Warriors can talk contract extension with Thompson, but that would be at a lower price than the $43.2 million he makes this season.)

• Trading Poole and