Would the Rockets trade James Harden to the Warriors?

Who headlines the trade for the Houston Rockets?

If the Warriors want James Harden the conversation starts with 2020 second overall pick James Wiseman. The young center out of the University of Memphis possesses a tantalizing array of skills.

Standing 7’1 with a 7’6 wingspan, Wiseman wields the size and length of a traditional center but runs the court with a grace that will inspire memories of Hakeem Olajuwon. The left-handed center has a soft touch on his jumper and projects to be at least an adequate 3-point shooter.

Wiseman likely would have been selected with the first pick of the draft if not for being ruled ineligible three games in his lone collegiate season. While there are concerns over his shot selection and playmaking ability, his raw tools give him the upside to be the best center in the league.

Wiseman’s salary is projected to be around $7.2 million which fits the Rockets’ recent efforts to trim salary. When you trade your franchise player you need to get a player who could replace them down the line and Wiseman would be exactly that.

While Wiseman would be the centerpiece in any deal, there is a lot more work to be done before the Rockets would be satisfied in their return and the NBA league office would approve the deal.

Next: How to get the deal finished