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Could Golden State Warriors swing James Wiseman East for Raptors pair?

By William Spencer

SAITAMA, JAPAN - SEPTEMBER 30: James Wiseman #33 of the Golden State Warriors in action during the Golden State Warriors v Washington Wizards - NBA Japan Games at the Saitama Super Arena on September 30, 2022 in Saitama, Japan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Takashi Aoyama/Getty Images)
SAITAMA, JAPAN - SEPTEMBER 30: James Wiseman #33 of the Golden State Warriors in action during the Golden State Warriors v Washington Wizards - NBA Japan Games at the Saitama Super Arena on September 30, 2022 in Saitama, Japan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Takashi Aoyama/Getty Images) /
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It’s time to send Golden State Warriors’ James Wiseman East where his skillset will be coveted and his full potential appreciated. Steve Kerr wins championships for one reason — his ability to assemble and guide a playoff roster for sixteen wins during a postseason. He uses the regular season as a training camp of sorts for the final rotation, evaluating who he sees as the best matchups for the quest of sixteen victories in a playoff campaign.

James Wiseman will never develop to his full potential in a Golden State Warriors uniform, and nor will he be a factor in Steve Kerr’s playoff rotation.

Bob Myers needs to see what he can get for Wiseman, and one option could be the team they saw on Friday night at Chase Center — the Toronto Raptors. The 21-year-old could unbridle his unique talent in Canada, and in exchange a proposed scenario would see an impactful return for the Warriors.

Precious Achiuwa is a 23-year-old, 6’8″ power-forward/center who is currently contributing 21 minutes per game for the Raptors. He shoots shoots 45% from the field, 33% from beyond the arc, and is a glass cleaner averaging just under seven rebounds. Achiuwa had himself a game against Golden State on Friday, posting 17 points and 11 rebounds on 8-for-12 shooting.

He backed that up with a massive 27 points and 13 rebounds as a starter against the Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday, helping the Raptors to a 123-105 victory on the second night of a back-to-back. He has one year left on his rookie deal worth $4.4 million.

Then there’s a veteran option in Thaddeus Young. The 34-year-old, 6’8″ power-forward is tallying 16 minutes per game and averaging 4.8 points on 57% from the field, while also adding 3.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists and one block. Young has a partially guaranteed $8 million deal for next season.

Could Golden State swing a Wiseman for Achiuwa and Young deal? The salaries match, so it would then be about the teams’ haggling over picks. Achiuwa’s recent form might take him off the table completely, but Toronto’s disappointing 23-28 record has many believing they’ll be sellers at the deadline.

Next. Golden State Warriors’ closing five a luxury issue for Steve Kerr. dark

The addition of Achiuwa and Young would add a player to each Warrior timeline and strengthen the bridge between both. Keep in mind that Joe Lacob is heavily invested in Wiseman’s development, and any scenario even though doable, may be difficult for Myers to sell. Odds are James Wiseman will remain in a Golden State Warriors uniform  for the remainder of this season.

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