The NBA free agency frenzy has delivered its share of surprises, but few are as intriguing as the Indiana Pacers’ quiet reunion with former Golden State Warriors center James Wiseman. The former No. 2 overall pick, once heralded as a cornerstone for the Warriors’ future, has signed a two-year, minimum contract with a team option for the second year, marking a redemption arc that’s flown under the radar amidst the league’s chaos.
Wiseman’s journey back to Indiana is a tale of resilience. Last offseason, the 7-foot phenom inked a two-year deal with the Pacers and dazzled in preseason, posting 8.5 points and 5.8 rebounds on a scorching 70.8% shooting in just 12.5 minutes per game. Poised for a rotation role behind Myles Turner, Wiseman’s momentum screeched to a halt when he suffered a devastating torn Achilles in the season opener against the Detroit Pistons, another of his former teams. The injury sidelined him for the entire year, and by midseason, the Pacers traded him to the Toronto Raptors, who promptly waived the 24-year-old.
Now, Wiseman returns to a transformed Pacers squad. In a seismic shift, Myles Turner, the franchise’s defensive anchor for a decade, bolted for the Milwaukee Bucks on a four-year, $107 million deal, leaving a gaping hole at center. The Pacers, fresh off an NBA Finals run, are rebuilding their frontcourt by committee. Alongside Wiseman, they’ve traded for 7’1” big man Jay Huff from the Memphis Grizzlies, exercised Tony Bradley’s team option, and are awaiting the return of Isaiah Jackson from his own Achilles injury.
James Wiseman put pen to paper today ✍️ pic.twitter.com/LTabWWK16p
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) July 7, 2025
Wiseman’s time with the Warriors, where he played 60 games over 2.5 injury-plagued seasons, remains a cautionary tale. Selected second overall in 2020, his potential was undeniable, but injuries and inconsistent play cemented his status as one of Golden State’s biggest draft missteps in recent memory. Ironically, the Warriors now find themselves scrambling for center depth after losing fan-favorite Kevon Looney to the New Orleans Pelicans. Rumors swirl that Golden State is pursuing veteran Al Horford, but no deal has materialized, leaving their frontcourt thin.
Meanwhile, the Pacers’ gamble on Wiseman could pay dividends. At just 24, he’s a low-risk, high-reward addition with the size and athleticism to thrive in Indiana’s up-tempo system. The Bucks, too, are reshaping their roster, making headlines by waiving and stretching the remaining $110 million on Damian Lillard’s contract—a bold move for the 2021 champions.
As free agency continues to reshape the NBA, Wiseman’s return to Indiana is a compelling subplot. Can the former draft bust rewrite his story with the Eastern Conference champs? Only time will tell, but the stage is set for a comeback that could shake up the league.