It was reported by Yahoo Sports that tensions between Draymond Green and Jordan Poole have been rising since the start of the training camp. Sources say that Green’s decision to strike Poole was motivated in part by their disagreement about contract extensions.
Both Poole and Green are eligible for extensions, but it looks like Poole will obtain an extension while Green knows he has to play this season out. The Warriors are reportedly exploring disciplinary action against Green after the incident was initially reported by The Athletic.
After the fight, Green was visibly upset and contrite in the locker room, but he was advised against talking to Poole right away since the wounds were still too fresh.
Poole, according to our sources, has been a model professional since the first day of training camp and is aware that the Warriors and his camp are still talking about a contract extension.
Chris Haynes was told by reliable sources that Poole’s demeanor altered significantly during the course of training camp with the Warriors. Although Green and Poole have history, some Warriors told Haynes that they did not believe the fight was necessary.
Two sources have confirmed with me the altercation between Draymond Green & Jordan Poole.
I watched Jordan Poole get up shots today after practice. Seemed in good spirits, even was laughing. PBJ and Lester Quinones were the only other guys on the court at the time I shot this. pic.twitter.com/FtxYo5XgH6
— Jason Dumas (@JDumasReports) October 6, 2022
On media day, Green said he expected to play through the season without an extension because of the salary cap impact Green’s contract, Poole’s contract, and Andrew Wiggins’ contract all have on the Warriors. After the 2022–23 season, Green can exercise a player option to extend his contract.
Poole’s rookie contract extension would provide him a higher annual salary than Green’s $27.5 million salary for the upcoming season, based on the recent four-year, $130 million deal extension signed by Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro.
Read More: Warriors Could Lose Draymond Green, Andrew Wiggins, and Jordan Poole, According to Rumors!
Career
Green tied Boston Celtics star John Havlicek for 15th on the all-time triple-double list with 16 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks in a 113-98 win over the Sacramento Kings. Green was selected as a reserve for the 2022 NBA All-Star Game on February 3, 2022.
This marked his return to the All-Star Game after missing it in 2018 and his fourth such selection overall. As a result of a back issue, Green sat out for 31 straight games from January to March. Until then, he had been considered a leading candidate for NBA Defensive Player of the Year.
Green was chosen to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team despite appearing in only 46 games this season. After beating the Celtics in six games, the Warriors reached the 2022 NBA Finals, where he won his fourth NBA title. Green nearly recorded a triple-double in Game 6 of the Finals, when he scored 12 points, grabbed 12 rebounds, dished out 8 assists, stole 2 bases, and blocked 2 shots in a 103-90 victory.
