NBA Trade Grades: Warriors dump James Wiseman for Gary Payton II, tax relief
The Warriors made a deal involving the No. 2 pick from two years ago. Why did they trade James Wiseman and how does this help?
According to Adrian Wojnarowski, the Golden State Warriors executed two separate trades, involving the Pistons, Hawks and Trail Blazers. Golden State essentially traded James Wiseman, who was the second overall pick in the 2020 draft, for Gary Payton II.
The biggest upside for the Warriors (mostly Joe Lacob) is savings of about $40 million in luxury tax penalties over the next two years.
Warriors trade No. 1
Warriors trade No. 2
Trail Blazers pick up second-round picks and shed Payton II
I am really confused about why the Trail Blazers acquired five second-round picks and Kevin Knox. It seems to me that this deal was basically a jail-out-of-free card for Payton who was just too injury prone for Portland. I am confused about what Portland did overall, but for this, at least the Trail Blazers get out of Payton’s contract long-term.
Trail Blazers Grade: C+
Warriors swap James Wiseman for a familiar face
I love this deal for the Warriors. They were able to turn Wiseman, who did not live up to his potential, into Gary Payton II, who has been injured at times this season but is a very solid defender. He will really help this team defensively and could be an important piece in the playoffs.
Warriors Grade: A-
Pistons take a flyer on Wiseman
The Pistons were not gonna pay Bey and moving on is the right call. I am not really sure how much Wiseman will get paid in two years if he is behind Isaiah Stewart and Jalen Duren, and it may be a trick to find playing time for him. Still, for the price they paid, this deal makes a lot of sense. This isn’t a home run but this deal is a flyer that might work out for the Pistons.
Pistons Grade: B-/B
The Hawks get another 3-and-D wing
Speaking of teams that are gonna struggle to pay the luxury tax, the Hawks might be in a similar situation in a couple of years. This is a flyer on Saddiq Bey who could help this team going forward but that is a lot of picks for a team that isn’t really committed to the luxury tax. I do like the deal for them as Bey fits a need with his skill set.
Hawks Grade: B-
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