James Wiseman Warriors Salary: Rookie Has 6th Biggest Contract In GSW Roster, Report Says

James Wiseman’s salary is reportedly $8.9 million this season, making him the sixth-highest paid player in the current Golden State Warriors roster.

The former Memphis Tigers star reportedly signed a two-year, $17.9 million deal to play for the Warriors, according to Spotrac. He is already the sixth-highest paid in his team, with only veterans Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, Kelly Oubre Jr. and Andrew Wiggins ahead of him, the outlet claims.

Wiseman is making more money in his rookie year compared to other veterans such as Kent Bazemore, Kevon Looney and Marquese Chriss. If he continues his progress and remains healthy, Wiseman could end up being a steal for Golden State despite the hype surrounding him and his rookie deal.

The deal with the former NBA champions includes a team option in 2022. If both sides agree to an extension, Wiseman could make $9.6 million in 2022 and $12.1 million in 2023, hiking his total salary for four years to $39.6 million, according to a separate Spotrac report. The center can still add to his salary via deals and achievement-related bonuses.

The Warriors selected Wiseman with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft last month. Several NBA insiders had argued the selection since the team is preparing for its future. All-stars Curry and Green are not getting younger, while sharpshooter Thompson remains out for the season.

Wiseman shut down his bashers when he made his NBA debut Tuesday against the Brooklyn Nets after tallying 19 points and six rebounds, NBC Sports reported. The Warriors may have lost the game, but head coach Steve Kerr was left impressed. “He’s got a chance to be a great player in this league,” he said of Wiseman in an interview.

Like any rookie during their first game, Wiseman started slow. He composed himself and soon found his rhythm. He can hit beyond the arc and can also help defend the rim. The Nashville, Tennessee native’s skill set will come in handy for the positionless system of Golden State in both ends of the floor.

If the rookie’s development is fast-tracked, Golden State’s return to relevance may come sooner rather than later. The team missed the playoffs last season, with several key players nursing injuries.

Now, Curry is finally healthy, but Thompson suffered a season-ending injury during the offseason. The management signed Oubre and Wiggins to provide instant offense, but the team needs all the help it can get, especially from the young guns.