Golden State Warriors: James Wiseman’s trade value is too low

It’s becoming difficult to pump out consistent NBA content on days where the news is… slow. The Golden State Warriors haven’t done anything notable in quite a while and as a result, the James Wiseman rumors are becoming more and more unhinged.

On paper, trading Wiseman could be a grand slam for the Dubs. He’s an unproven youngster who might never make it in the big leagues. Capitalizing on Wiseman’s potential in exchange for a proven talent that can help the Warriors win more championships is a no-brainer.

Only, it’s not that simple anymore.

Sure, the Dubs had plenty of leverage back in 2020 on NBA Draft night. The No. 2 overall pick could have been offered to numerous teams, giving the chance to draft Wiseman or eventual Rookie of the Year, LaMelo Ball, who went third to the Charlotte Hornets.

But now? Wiseman’s value has tanked.

James Wiseman’s trade value is not high enough for the Golden State Warriors to realistically entertain any proposed deals at this moment.

He hasn’t done much in the NBA, having his lackluster rookie season cut short by injury. Wiseman was unable to play a single game last season and didn’t exactly leave anyone in awe during the 2022 Summer League.

Any superstar trade package will no longer feature Wiseman as the centerpiece. It would take a combination of young talent — as well as a max-caliber player like Andrew Wiggins or Draymond Green — two players who just helped win a championship.

The market can’t be too hot for Wiseman and that’s why many fan-proposed trades include names like Jakob Poeltl, Seth Curry and Derrick Favors.

I don’t think it’s an overstatement to say making any of those trades prior to the season would be a disastrous decision for Golden State.

Wiseman fills a much-needed role on this roster as a true seven-footer who can blossom into an elite shot blocker. While it’s possible he never quite develops into a star, it would be foolish to punt on his potential for a minimal return.

The rumors are not going to end any time soon but I wouldn’t expect any genuine traction in a Wiseman trade before he returns to the court and gives the Warriors, and the NBA, a better idea of what he’s made of.