Wizards predictions for 2024: Jordan Poole will be traded
The 2023 calendar year is coming to a close, so it’s time to look forward to what 2024 can bring. Here is the second prediction I have for the upcoming year involving one of the Wizards’ top players: Jordan Poole.
Prediction: Jordan Poole will be traded by the 2024 NBA offseason
Why: In his first year in Washington since getting more-or-less traded for Bradley Beal, Poole has failed to emerge as the Wizards’ leading scorer and playmaker. He is averaging 17.8 points, 3.6 assists and 2.5 rebounds in 29 games this season while also making a name for himself on Shaqtin a Fool and for being a perceived goofball on national media.
The Wizards, under the Will Dawkins and Michael Winger regime, are looking to get OUT of those times when various Wizards players get known for being perceived as goofy rather than being good at basketball. The best way to do that is to cut ties early, even with rather newly acquired players.
To be clear, I’m not saying that Poole is a goofball. But this season, the national media is making him look like that, and Poole isn’t doing anything to squash that perception.
On top of all that, the rumor mill has indicated that Dawkins and Winger are eyeing Poole as a “piece to get a later cornerstone piece” than as a cornerstone. That could happen as early as the trade deadline in February.
When is the most likely time to see such a trade? The trade deadline is one possible time when Poole could be traded. But it’s more realistic to see him get traded during the offseason in late June or early July.
Perhaps Poole could be traded for another young up-and-coming player, and perhaps more draft picks.
Why wouldn’t Poole be traded in 2024? The Wizards may want to trade Poole away, but will other teams want him for a fair deal? In addition, Poole is starting to come with “baggage” considering the Shaqtin a Fool appearances.
Also, Poole can turn around this season and shed his goofball perception that started this season. Though Poole isn’t the Wizards’ leading scorer right now, he did have two 30 point games this month while shooting above 50 percent from the field. So it’s possible that he can finish this season on a strong note.
Do you see this prediction happening? If so, what do you think is a fair deal for Poole?
