Every team in the NBA needs to operate within the cap. The Golden State Warriors are no exception. With that in mind, this team was widely expected to manage their salary sheet this summer.
To an extent, they did that. The Warriors flipped Jordan Poole’s long-term contract for Chris Paul’s expiring deal. That trade could make them better next year, and it makes their financial situation easier to manage. On the other hand, the Warriors also opted to extend Draymond Green.
Do they need to continue managing their cap? Moves with financial motives may not always be popular. On the other hand, they are sometimes necessary. Here’s a deal that has them sending Andrew Wiggins to the New York Knicks with money on their minds.
The Trade Proposal
Golden State Warriors Receive: G/F Evan Fournier, C Isaiah Hartenstein, 2024 First-Round Pick (NYK)
New York Knicks Receive: G/F Andrew Wiggins
On the other hand, success is often costly in the NBA. Just look at the Warriors. The fact that this team has a difficult salary sheet to manage isn’t a coincidence. They’ve been a dynasty for the better part of a decade.
If you haven’t noticed, it takes good basketball players to win. Meanwhile, it takes a lot of money to have good basketball players on your roster. The Warriors are only dealing with the consequences that they were hoping to deal with.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Andrew Wiggins, New York Knicks & Golden State Warriors Updates
Yet, those consequences exist. We doubt that the Warriors love the idea of moving Wiggins. He’s been an invaluable contributor to a title run for them. At the same time, they may have to start managing their salary cap soon. Is this the right way to go about it?
Why The Golden State Warriors Do The Deal
Let’s be clear, this is not a salary dump. Wiggins is too valuable for that type of arrangement. The Warriors are getting value here. It just may not make them better in 2023-24.
On the other hand, they are flipping one rotation player for a pair of them. This deal makes the Warriors deeper. Hartenstein feels like an especially solid fit here. His ability to find teammates with smart passes will fit well in the Warriors’ system.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Andrew Wiggins, New York Knicks & Golden State Warriors Updates
With that said, the first-round pick is the most valuable asset the Warriors are landing here. They don’t own their own pick in the upcoming draft, so landing a first-rounder allows them to inject some young talent onto their roster. Should the Knicks part with that pick?
Why The New York Knicks Do The Deal
By contrast, the Knicks have not been dynastic. In fact, this team hasn’t won an NBA title since the 1970s. With that said, they looked like they were on their way in 2022-23.
Jalen Brunson’s breakout season had a lot to do with that. Of course, Julius Randles’s return to form didn’t hurt either. The Knicks would be justified in feeling as though they had their offensive pecking order in line. Could they look for a 3-and-D wing to support their stars?
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Andrew Wiggins, New York Knicks & Golden State Warriors Updates
If so, this is the perfect acquisition. Wiggins has developed into one of the best 3-and-D wings in the NBA. He can create his own shot as well. If the Knicks want to take a step forward next season, they should be willing to offer this package – even if it means taking on Wiggins’ deal.
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