3 teams that should trade for Golden State Warriors center James Wiseman
Teams that should trade for Golden State Warriors center James Wiseman: Toronto Raptors
James Wiseman deserves all the credit in the world for saying all the right things after being sent to the Warriors’ G-League affiliate earlier this month. However, there is no former number two pick in the draft who envisions being sent to play with the team’s minor league franchise in his third season. The fact is, the Warriors were able to win the championship without Wiseman in the lineup last season, and the ownership team feels as if they can afford to give him added time to develop.
Ideally, Wiseman would be developing in real-time in front of NBA fans in sold-out arenas. Having a living legend like Stephen Curry on the roster means that Wiseman would have the luxury of not being in the spotlight while simultaneously gathering valuable experience. The additional reps he is receiving in the G-League are great for his conditioning, but many of the players he is currently dunking on will never play in an actual NBA game. That is the harsh reality of professional basketball.
The Toronto Raptors are a team that could use a talent like Wiseman to take them to the next level. While they have a few remaining members of the 2019 championship team on the roster, they are in search of an identity that will carry them into the future. However, there are a few bright spots on the team that could make Toronto an ideal landing spot for Wiseman.
Pascal Siakam is a former Most Improved Player Award winner and All-Star who is capable of being the leading man on a playoff team. Scottie Barnes is the reigning Rookie of the Year and a future perennial All-Star. If Wiseman is inserted into the center position beside these two talented forwards, the Raptors could potentially have the best frontcourt in the Eastern Conference.
In addition to Siakam and Barnes, the Raptors would also have to make keeping Fred VanVleet on the roster a priority. VanVleet has morphed into one of the most reliable point guards in the league, capable of calming a team down when necessary and knocking down a key jump shot in clutch moments when called upon.
If Toronto is going to trade for Wiseman, Golden State’s asking price may be steep. They will most likely have to give up O.G. Anunoby, who is currently averaging 18.8 points per game. The Warriors may also request Otto Porter Jr., who was a part of their run to the title last season.
Other names that may be tossed around in the deal include veterans Thaddeus Young and Gary Trent Jr. Regardless of whether Wiseman lives up to his potential, parting with those players will feel like a reasonable accommodation when all is said and done.