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Analyst implores Golden State Warriors to stop being “precious” with James Wiseman

By Peter O'Keefe

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 13: James Wiseman #33 of the Golden State Warriors warms up before the game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on November 13, 2022 in Sacramento, California. 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 Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 13: James Wiseman #33 of the Golden State Warriors warms up before the game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on November 13, 2022 in Sacramento, California. 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 Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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We’re just over a week away from the NBA trade deadline and we’re no closer on an indication of whether the Golden State Warriors will make a seismic deal that alters the future of the franchise.

Most speculation surrounds James Wiseman, the third-year center who’s been unable to crack a consistent spot in Steve Kerr’s rotation. With a reasonable $9.2 million contract and the value of being a recent number two overall pick, the 21-year-old is the Warriors’ best path towards finding a major upgrade.

Do the Golden State Warriors need to forget the aura of James Wiseman as a high pick who the franchise has invested heavily in?

Warriors’ management appears to be hesitant on giving up Wiseman — a player who remains with high-upside potential despite his inability to impact the team right now. Speaking with Ramona Shelburne on his podcast last week, ESPN’s Zach Lowe was adamant that Golden State need to stop being “precious” with Wiseman.

"“It’s over for this season. Next season is his fourth year. I do think it’s time to not be so precious about, ‘well we couldn’t trade James Wiseman for that sixth or seventh guy. We couldn’t trade James Wiseman for Alex Caruso’…I’m at the point with the Wiseman thing where I get the preciousness and the affection you feel for him, I just don’t care anymore. I need to be a bit more pragmatic.”"

Lowe did appreciate that the Warriors need to get the right deal in order to move Wiseman. He would hesitate on a Wiseman-Jakob Poeltl trade given that center minutes during the playoffs will be largely filled by Kevon Looney and Draymond Green. However, he does think Bob Myers should target a high-level wing, specifically Kyle Kuzma, in exchange for a package centered around Wiseman.

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The likely scenario is that Golden State is willing to move Wiseman if the right deal comes along. It appears like the front office still values the seven-foot big man higher than most in league circles, meaning that a worthwhile trade is unlikely to be forthcoming.

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