The Golden State Warriors have a golden chance on their hands ahead of the 2020 NBA Draft — the opportunity to pounce on an elite talent or trade it away for potential working pieces. According to league executives, the Warriors could draft Memphis center James Wiseman and use him as a viable trade chip for Washington Wizards star Bradley Beal at the trade deadline.
Given the uncertain times and a rather lackluster draft class compared to recent years, some have hinted at the possibility of flipping the pick to surround Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson with players who can help them cash in that window of championship opportunity.
Bradley Beal isn't for sale at the moment, but there could be a sliver of fortune at the trade deadline, should the high-scoring guard become available:
“That's the argument for drafting the guy with the broadest appeal and [the Warriors] trying to position themselves to trade for Beal later,” an Eastern Conference executive said of Wiseman, according to ESPN's Tim Bontemps.
James Wiseman was the predicted pick as soon as the Warriors were announced to own the No. 2 pick at the NBA Draft Lottery.
Others believe drafting the center, a position of need, could actually work out for the Warriors, who have played musical chairs at the position ever since building their juggernaut.
“I think Wiseman fits better than people think,” a Western Conference executive said of the Warriors situation. “I think [the pick is] more likely to be traded, but I don't hate Wiseman there.”
Drafting Wiseman, who only played three collegiate games before declaring for the draft, could be a risky move. But the two-side appeal of taking a chance on a big man that can play big minutes and owning a trade piece that can be appealing for a team like the Wizards sounds like a win-win situation.
This all depends on whether the Wizards put Bradley Beal on the trade block by next season or are at least willing to listen for offers, but he won't come cheap regardless of the reason.
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