Jordan Poole Swimming in Regret?

Jordan Poole's departure from the Golden State Warriors is an ugly moment in the franchise's history. Despite Poole earning a contract extension following the Warriors' 2022 NBA championship, the subsequent summer ended in infamy with the controversial practice that featured veteran Draymond Green emphatically striking the young guard. Poole seems to miss the Golden State franchise.

Poole recently posted photos from his Warriors tenure.

Although Poole isn't the star, some thought he could be, or possibly even be, a good NBA player. His removal from the Warriors was a classic "him or me" situation. In hindsight, perhaps trading Draymond Green would have aged better.

The Warriors' elite defensive player eventually cost them a playoff spot for the 2023-24 season due to his inability to keep his hands off opponents.

Nonetheless, the Warriors made their decision, and Poole ended up on one of the worst teams in the league in exchange for Chris Paul, the most hated player in the fan base and Golden State's locker room.

Putting the Chris Paul trade in perspective, they risked tainting the team chemistry, as many Golden State players, most notably Green, openly hated Paul.

Poole's trade to the Washington Wizards essentially ruined his reputation league-wide. Without veteran star players like Stephen Curry to cover up Poole's deficiencies, Poole opted to attempt questionable plays, which caused many to question his basketball skills and on-court IQ. Instead of the safety blanket of the Warriors stars, Poole went to a team with lackluster veteran voices.

Fashionista Kyle Kuzma represents the Wizards' veteran leadership.

Poole produced well-below-average advanced shooting metrics last season and possibly lost his starting role on a team that won 15 games for the 2023-24 campaign. Poole's value is at an all-time low, and his contract doesn't help. Unless Washington finds a suitor, the franchise owes Poole $95.5 million for the next three seasons.

Related: Coming-of-Age Season for Jonathan Kuminga?

Although the money doesn't solve everything, it softens the punch of not playing for the Warriors.