Controversial trade looks better for Golden State Warriors after rival coach’s comments

The Golden State Warriors decision to move on from James Wiseman in February was undoubtedly a risky one, with the franchise giving up on the talent and upside of their former number two overall pick.

In what resulted as his last trade before finishing in the job, former General Manager Bob Myers sent Wiseman to the Detroit Pistons as part of a four-team trade that returned Gary Payton II to the Warriors.

Recent comments from Detroit Pistons head coach Monty Williams suggests James Wiseman is a long way away from making the Golden State Warriors regret their decision to trade him.

Wiseman received more opportunity after the move, starting 22 games and averaging over 25 minutes with the Pistons after averaging just 12.5 with the Warriors. That doesn’t mean he’s now embedded into a full rotation role this season though, with Detroit possessing a glut of young big men in Wiseman, Jalen Duren, Isaiah Stewart and Marvin Bagley III.

Speaking to the media on Wednesday, new head coach Monty Williams confirmed Wiseman and Bagley, both former number two overall picks, would be fighting for the backup center position.

"“It’s a work in progress right now to figure out which one of those guys is going to step up and be the more than likely backup big…Wise is still young and learning, they both have enough ability to command that spot, we just have to wait and see who steps up and takes it,” Williams said."

While many Warrior fans wish Wiseman the best in Detroit, some are still anxious the seven-foot center will fulfill his talent and become the type of player that has Golden State regretting their decision to move him on.

Going by Williams’ comments and the fact he’s battling just to earn a rotation spot, the 22-year-old is still a fair way away from making the Warriors rue the trade.

It’s also a big season for Wiseman from a contractual standpoint, with the former Warrior entering the fourth and final season of his rookie contract. He’ll make $12.1 million in 2022-23 — undoubtedly one of the reasons Golden State traded him when they did.

The Warriors will see Wiseman early in the season when they visit Detroit on November 7, with the teams’ only other meeting coming at Chase Center on January 6.