Raptors trade rumors: 3 quality big men on Western Conference teams

Dec 26, 2021; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Jakob Poeltl (25) Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 26, 2021; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Jakob Poeltl (25) Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Toronto Raptors, James Wiseman
Jan 10, 2021; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors center James Wiseman (33) dunks during the first quarter against the Toronto Raptors. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports /

2. James Wiseman, Golden State Warriors

Wiseman’s future in Golden State appears to be very bleak, as the Warriors have failed in their quest to compete for a championship while simultaneously developing their young talent. They got another ring, but it came at the expense of Wiseman’s development.

Wiseman has been assigned to the team’s G League affiliate in Santa Cruz in order to get minutes that Golden State would not give him. Wiseman just doesn’t have a path to playing time with the Warriors, but Toronto might be able to add a 7-footer with premium athleticism at a fraction of his true market value.

The Toronto Raptors could use James Wiseman.

Wiseman may never become an elite defender, which is the source of both Golden State’s irritation and Toronto’s current interior woes, but he has incredible offensive potential that could help turn him into a valuable contender with designs on a postseason spot.

With Christian Koloko already proving to be a fabulous shot-blocker as a rookie who will need a ton of time before becoming a viable offensive player, the two could create a nice yin-yang situation if the Raptors pull this move off. There’s no way someone with Wiseman’s talent will just fall out of the NBA.