Bold ambitions surpassing Curry! Warriors officially announce exercising Poole’s team option: already eligible for early extension

On October 31st Beijing time, the Warriors officially announced they have exercised the team option on guard Poole’s rookie contract for the 2026-27 season.

Before the deadline arrived, this action was considered a foregone conclusion. It secures Poole’s salary for the fourth year (the last year) of his rookie contract at $5,679,458. If he and the Warriors do not reach an early extension agreement during the 2026 offseason, he will become a restricted free agent in 2027; currently, he is eligible for an early rookie contract extension.

The 22-year-old Poole was selected 19th overall in the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft and has since been a regular part of the Warriors’ rotation. Last season, he appeared in 64 games, averaging 26.8 minutes, contributing 11.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game, with shooting percentages of 44.5% from the field, 37.2% from three, and 75.8% from the free throw line.

So far this season, his performance remains consistent. In the first five games (starting three), he averages 12.2 points with an impressive three-point shooting rate of 42.3%.

The Warriors have six players with contract options for the 2026-27 season, but Poole is the only one on a rookie contract. Rookie contract options must be decided by November 1st Beijing time, while decisions for Draymond Green, Al Horford, Melton’s player options, and the team options for Kuminga and Jackson-Davis are due next June.

In an interview a week ago, Poole said, “I want to be better than him (Curry). I know it’s a tough challenge, but I hope to fully utilize my talent in the league and do my best.” Poole also aspires to inherit the Warriors’ legacy after Curry and Draymond retire, becoming a cornerstone of the team.

Warriors GM Bob Myers commented, “We appreciate his (Poole’s) ambition, which is one reason for his strong performance. He is confident and proves himself daily through his actions. But looking ahead, the future is unpredictable. Neither Poole nor any other young player can foresee how far they will go. We will wait and see.”