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Kendra AndrewsESPN
SAN FRANCISCO – Over the past two years, golden empire warriors spoke out about their desire to connect their current success with future success. And over the weekend, they did just that, signing Jordan Poole and Andrew Wiggins to extend the contract.
The Warriors signed Poole with a four-year, $140 million extension, while Wiggins agreed to a four-year, $109 million deal, their agents at the CAA told ESPN. The team announced both signings on Sunday but did not disclose terms.
The financial commitment to sustaining the Warriors’ 2022 NBA championship roster is huge, with salary and luxury taxes for the 2023-24 season an unprecedented $483 million.
“I know what the numbers are. … I can’t judge what we’re going to do next season until we see what happens this season,” said Warriors General Manager Bob Myers. said at a news conference on Sunday. “I just know this: There’s a huge commitment to winning. There’s always been, and I believe there always will be. I’m so lucky to be involved. [ownership] group believes. Their actions prove it. “
Warriors CEO Joe Lacob has publicly explained how Golden State’s spending habits don’t sit well with other teams in the league and said he knows he and Myers will make tough choices. to shorten the time.
On Sunday, Myers reiterated that those decisions will be made in direct confrontation with them.
“It took us year after year. If you asked me a year ago if we were going to pay this to Poole and Wiggins, I wouldn’t believe you,” he said.
Poole, the 28th pick in the 2019 NBA draft, was sent to the G League in his sophomore year and has since emerged as one of the league’s best young bodyguards.
He made 51 appearances for the Warriors last season, averaging a career-high in points (18.5), assists (4.0) and rebounds (3.4). . He also led the NBA in free throw percentage last season with 92.5%.
“I couldn’t stop smiling. I really tried to stop,” Poole said of the moment of signing. “It’s all hard work at all different stages; you know you’re going to face adversity but you have to have faith and confidence and belief in yourself. … very special and life changing moment.”
Wiggins to Golden State in 2020 in Deal with Minnesota Timberwolves. He’s not a highly sought after player, despite being the 2015 No 1 pick, but he quickly revived his career with the Warriors.
Last season, when he was named an All-Star for the first time in his career, Wiggins averaged 17.2 points and 3.3 rebounds. He also shot a career-best 3-point 39.3% and became the team’s full-back and defender in the knockout stages, often assigned as the opponent’s best player.
“I’m happy here, and we have the opportunity to do something special,” said Wiggins. “I believe in what we’re doing here.”
Initially, the Warriors did not plan to sign Wiggins and Poole on the same day. Golden State was boosted by Monday’s rookie extension deadline to find a new deal with Poole, but the Warriors have until the end of the season to work out a new deal with Wiggins to prevent him from becoming a free agent. unlimited. Myers said that meaningful conversations with Wiggins representatives did not begin until last week.
Now, with both new contracts and the Warriors tax penalty in effect, the question is: What does this mean? Draymond Green, who could be an unrestricted free agent next summer if he turns down his $27.6 million player selection? And, how will his change to Poole in reality a week and a half ago affect this?
Poole addressed the incident, where he was first punched by Green on Sunday, and he said that Green had apologized and the two would move on to a professional relationship.
In September, Green said he did not expect a new deal to be struck this year. Last week, he reiterated his expectations and added that he won’t let it distract him this season.
Myers said the change between Poole and Green will not affect how the team continues to sign Green.
“He’s on our team; we think he can help us win,” Myers said. “He has some things to overcome and we are confident that he will.”
