In a significant trade move, Chris Paul has been traded from the Phoenix Suns to the Golden State Warriors as part of the Bradley Beal trade deal. The trade involves the Warriors sending Jordan Poole, Ryan Rollins, a protected first-round pick in 2030, and a second-round pick in 2027 to the Suns.

The decision to acquire Chris Paul by the Warriors was likely influenced by the comparison between his expiring $30 million USD contract and Jordan Poole's substantial $140 million USD extension signed last season. By making this trade, the Warriors can avoid the financial burden of Poole's contract, providing them with more flexibility to explore a new contract with Draymond Green, who recently opted out of his contract to become a free agent.

Coming off an impressive season with the Suns, where he averaged 13.9 points and 8.9 assists in 59 games, the 38-year-old Chris Paul is expected to take on a reserve player role for the Warriors. He will serve as a backup to four-time champion Stephen Curry when Curry is off the court. On the other side, Jordan Poole joins the Wizards' roster to fill the void left by Bradley Beal's departure. Poole's performance saw a decline last season, with averages of 10.3 points on 34% shooting and 25.4% from beyond the arc.

This trade represents the first major move made by the Warriors' new general manager, Mike Dunleavy Jr., who officially took over from Bob Myers last week.

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