Toronto Raptors Land Former 2nd Overall Pick in Trade With Indiana Pacers

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Nathaniel Holloway | Last updated Feb 6, 2025 3:19 PM ET

The Toronto Raptors had a very busy NBA trade deadline. They traded for Brandon Ingram on Wednesday night and they were able to pull off a last-second deal with the Indiana Pacers to acquire a former second overall pick.

According to ESPN's Shams Charania , Toronto received James Wiseman and cash from Indiana in the trade. This trade will now allow the Pacers to look toward the buyout market to replace Wiseman.

Of course, Wiseman was the second overall pick in the 2020 draft by the Golden State Warriors. After spending two and a half seasons in Golden State, the Warriors then traded him to the Detroit Pistons where he played for two seasons before he was signed in free agency last summer by the Pacers.

Wiseman has yet to live up to the hype that surrounded him in the 2020 draft, but he will now have a new opportunity with Toronto. Of course, the 23-year-old is out for the rest of the season after undergoing surgery to repair a torn left Achilles that he suffered in the first game of the season for Indiana.

The seven-foot center is signed through the 2025-26 season and he also has a team option in his final season with the team before he would hit free agency after the 2026-27 season if the Raptors were to pick it up.

While the 23-year-old has struggled throughout his NBA career, he will now look to fit in with the Raptors’ young squad if they elect to keep him on the roster. Wiseman has shown glimpses of promise over his career.

Over his career, the 23-year-old center is averaging 9.1 points, 5.6 rebounds and 0.7 blocks per game while shooting 56.0% from the field and 26.2% from three-point range.

By adding Wiseman, the Raptors clearly see some untapped potential that will try to get out of him in the future if they keep him on the roster, but fans will have to wait until next season to see their new big man play.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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