NBA

Golden State Is Willing To Trade Two Former Lottery Picks To Upgrade The Roster With Win Now Talent

Disclosure
We independently review everything we recommend based on our strict editorial guidelines. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn More
James Wiseman pic

Injuries and inconsistency have been two of the biggest factors in the Warriors 2022-23 season so far. Their superstar Steph Curry is now dealing with his second extended injury of the season and he’s going to miss the all-star game. With the trade deadline less than two days away, reports say the Warriors may be interested in trading away two former lottery picks in exchange for win now talent. 

The two lottery picks that the Warriors have interest in moving for the right deal are Moses Moody and James Wiseman. Both have just not fit in with Golden State in one way or another and could look to find a new home that values what they bring to the table.

Currently, California Sports Betting sites have the Warriors at (+1200) to win the Finals this season.

What does the future hold for Moses Moody and James Wiseman before the trade deadline?

Moody may be a player that the Warriors hold on to as Curry is going to be out for an extended period of time. However, James Wiseman is the name to watch for the Warriors as they can save $131 million if they trade him. The Warriors would not have to receive anything in return either. Just find a new home for him.

He’s owed $9.6 million this year and $12.2 next season but the Warriors would be saving a lot of that money due to taxes. They paid an NBA record $170 million luxury tax last season which did lead to another NBA title. Those type of hefty luxury taxes may not be something the team will be planning to pay every season.

Another reason the Warriors would want to get rid of Wiseman is simply because he’s fallen out of the rotation and has been sent to the G League as well this season. In only 21 games played with Golden State this season, he’s averaging (6.9) points and (3.5) rebounds per game.

This is only his second healthy season as a pro but his minutes per game are down compared to his rookie year. In 2020-21 Wiseman played (21.4) minutes per game and that has fallen to (12.5) minutes this season. Both head coach Steve Kerr and GM Bob Myers have said they felt sorry for Wiseman and the situation he was dealt.

Myers said that his situation is a “cutthroat deal” and you can’t blame the Warriors for wanting to move on. They used the second overall pick in the 2020 NBA draft to take Wiseman and it hasn’t played out well for either side.