Warriors Legend Explains Why Trading James Wiseman and Andrew Wiggings Doesn’t Sit Well With Him

Published 06/30/2021, 8:00 AM EDT

Teams that weren’t able to make it to the postseason this year or go deep into the playoffs will be working on one thing, and that is: change. Unfortunately, the Golden State Warriors belong to the former category, failing for the second straight season. While injuries are probably their biggest struggle, building a better team will also be the focus this offseason.

And since the Warriors are one of two teams that have two lottery picks in the upcoming draft, they might be using that to go as aggressive as possible in the game of trades. With rumors of Andrew Wiggins and James Wiseman being possible trades, the name that comes up in exchange for them is Toronto Raptors‘ Pascal Siakam.

Entering the 2021 NBA Draft, the Warriors will try to build around their own ‘Big Three’. The Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and Stephen Curry trio are expected to be back in action again. This is the trifecta that led the franchise to its championships through 2015, 2017, and 2018.

Article continues below this ad

So, bringing in an All-Star to join them wouldn’t be such a bad idea. However, the Warriors plan to use Wiseman and Wiggins as their bait for it. Wiseman struggled with injuries throughout the season but showed plenty of signs of potential. Whereas, Andrew Wiggins‘ two-way ability worked wonders for them as well. This is why former Warriors legend Chris Mullin isn’t convinced that this is the best option to trade.

Kevin Durant Reveals Controversial Reason Behind What Attracted Him to Golden State Warriors

What was Chris Mullin’s advice to the Warriors?

Article continues below this ad

Mullin told KNBR‘s about a possible Siakam trade, “If I’m Toronto, I’ll do that in a second. Tolbert, Krueger, and Brooks. That particular deal — I still have a lot of faith and belief in James Wiseman, and Siakam, he’s a heck of a player but he’s similar to what they have.”

“If you watched these playoffs, every team has a legitimate center that they use at some point during the game, during the series, to change the way they’re playing. So, I mean I believe in James Wiseman, that’s my personal opinion.”

When Mullin was asked if other names are better than these two, he denied. But he also doesn’t understand why bringing is someone older, who isn’t as talented as the young Wiseman is a smart option. Should the Warriors give up on an All-Star level player in hopes that Wiseman will step up? Or should they not take their chances and go for it?

Article continues below this ad

WATCH THIS STORY: Stephen Curry, Dwight Howard & Other NBA Players You Didn’t Know Were Proud Fathers

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Yashima Bhatia is an NBA writer for EssentiallySports who specialises in providing nuanced predictions and updates for matches. She has a Bachelor's degree in journalism and mass communication. Yashima's love for playing the game came up at a young age, when the excitement of the games coupled with the intensity of the Playoffs had her hooked.

Warriors Legend Explains Why Trading James Wiseman and Andrew Wiggings Doesn’t Sit Well With Him

What was Chris Mullin’s advice to the Warriors?

Trending

Why Is Gabbie Marshall Not Invited to the 2024 WNBA Draft Despite Graduating From Iowa?

Caitlin Clark Lights Up SNL With Dawn Staley Tribute, Sends Fans Into Frenzy Over Diana Taurasi Snub

Larsa Pippen Shows Son Scotty Pippen Jr’s Link With LeBron James’ Camp After His Big Grizzlies Day

Gilbert Arenas Exposes Ice Cube’s Big 3’s Financial Problems Amid $5 Million Offer to Caitlin Clark

Caitlin Clark’s Love Life With Boyfriend Will Blossom if Drafted by Indiana Fever – Here’s Why