Hornets, Warriors reportedly 'covet' James Wiseman in NBA Draft

Memphis big man James Wiseman is widely considered one of the most talented players in the NBA Draft, and his skills have apparently drawn serious interest from the Golden State Warriors and Charlotte Hornets, who hold the second and third picks in the draft.

"Rumblings around the league suggest Golden State and Charlotte covet Wiseman," wrote the Ringer's Kevin O'Connor.

The Warriors' strategy to land Wiseman is pretty simple: hope the Timberwolves take literally anybody else (especially since LaMelo Ball and Anthony Edwards have both been linked to Minnesota, which holds the first pick) and then get their guy. They could trade up for him, but they could be satisfied to simply take the best player still available if they don't want to give up any assets. The Warriors recently worked out Wiseman along with Edwards and described both players as "beasts."

For the Hornets, things are a bit more complicated, as they sit behind the Warriors with the third pick. If they are worried about Golden State, O'Connor says they "might need to leapfrog to trade up." Fortunately, O'Connor has a suggestion for the team:

"The Hornets send no. 3 and their unprotected 2022 first-round pick to the Timberwolves for No. 1."

It's a lot for Charlotte to pay, but the team has been among the worst in the league and has never made it out of the first round as a franchise (both as the Hornets and Bobcats). If the Hornets really believe Wiseman can turn things around for them, it might be worth trading up to the first pick.