James Wiseman trade details: Warriors ship out young center in cost-cutting deal with Pistons, Hawks

Jordan Greer

James Wiseman trade details: Warriors ship out young center in cost-cutting deal with Pistons, Hawks image

James Wiseman's tenure with the Warriors is over after just 60 games.

According to multiple reports, Golden State traded the 21-year-old center before Thursday's 3 p.m. ET deadline as part of a three-team deal with Detroit and Atlanta.

Here is a full breakdown of the trade for each team.

SIGN UP TO WATCH EVERY GAME ON NBA LEAGUE PASS: U.S. and U.K. | All other countries

James Wiseman trade details

Warriors receive:

  • Kevin Knox
  • Five future second-round picks via Hawks

Pistons receive: 

  • James Wiseman

Hawks receive: 

  • Saddiq Bey

Why the Warriors made this trade

While it was clear that Wiseman wasn't going to be a major contributor for a Warriors team looking to defend its title, the biggest impetus for a trade was likely related to Golden State's finances.

As The Athletic's John Hollinger noted, taking Wiseman off the roster will save the Warriors a whopping $131 million in salary and tax penalties.

They also added Knox, though he may be moved to a new team, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

Why the Pistons made this trade

Wiseman averaged 9.9 points and 5.0 rebounds per game as a member of the Warriors, but he was never able to establish himself as a consistent part of Steve Kerr's rotation.

Now, he will look for a fresh start with the rebuilding Pistons. Detroit can afford to be patient with Wiseman, who is still very raw at this stage in his career.

Why the Hawks made this trade

Bey gives the Hawks a scoring threat on the wing. He is averaging 14.8 points per game this season, and he could see his shooting percentages rise with Trae Young and Dejounte Murray drawing multiple defenders.

James Wiseman contract details

Wiseman, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, signed a four-year, $39.6 million deal with the Warriors before his rookie season. He could become a restricted free agent in 2024.

Season 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24
Wiseman's salary $8.7 million $9.2 million $9.6 million $12.1 million

Jordan Greer

Jordan Greer Photo

Jordan Greer has been with The Sporting News since 2015. He previously worked for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. He is a graduate of Westminster College and Syracuse University.