The obvious, win-now trade the Golden State Warriors can make
James Wiseman better fits the San Antonio Spurs’ rebuilding timeline.
Poeltl, along with younger players Keldon Johnson and Devin Vassell, have been the leaders of San Antonio’s frisky 5-5 start to the season. Most considered the Spurs as one of the least talented teams in the league, but as usual, Gregg Popovich has his men playing hard and producing some surprising results.
Despite this, the Spurs’ wish to garner a high lottery pick hasn’t changed course. They possess a number of experienced players, including Poeltl, Josh Richardson and Doug McDermott, who could rightfully be attractive for contending teams.
It’d be difficult to envisage San Antonio acquiring someone, or something (a pick), that compares to that of Wiseman. Additionally, his inability to yet be a winning player actually aids the Spurs’ goals for this season.
The 21-year-old would be able to step in and fill Poeltl’s shoes as the starting big man, giving him the opportunity to play 30 minutes a night which he simply won’t get at the Warriors. Golden State recently picked up his option for next season, so the Spurs would realistically have 18 months to truly evaluate his talent before entering restricted free agency.
If it doesn’t work out, and Wiseman is the bust many have already labelled him as, then what do the Spurs actually lose? Poeltl enters free agency at the end of the season, and there’s a genuine chance he simply walks to another team of his choosing. That’s not to say they’ll move him for nothing, but it does diminish their stance on the open market.
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Poeltl, again, inhibits the Spurs’ ability to contend for the number one overall pick. For Golden State, losing Wiseman would be a bad look given his draft position, but it wouldn’t be as if they’re now bereft of young talent with Jordan Poole, Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody still on the roster.