James Wiseman hasn't played in an NBA game in over eight months, but his return is inching closer. When it comes, Wiseman will be suiting up for the Golden State Warriors, despite almost constant trade speculation.
Among many reasons the Warriors have no interest in trading Wiseman is that the organization believes he will be a star. Golden State believes that Wiseman possesses a unique combination of size and skill. Earlier this week, video was shared of the seven-footer doing ballhandling drills. Wiseman shrugged it off by saying “I’ve always been able to handle the ball. It’s just the fact that you all saw it.”
As a rookie, Wiseman averaged 11.5 points per game on 51.9% shooting from the field. The Warriors think with their full complement of players back, Wiseman will give them yet another scoring option.
There are also financial considerations, as Golden State is already top-heavy in salaries with Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Andrew Wiggins on max contracts, along with Draymond Green making over $20 million per season. Wiseman's rookie scale deal is seen as cost-efficient for the Warriors in managing their historic luxury tax bill.