The 2022-23 NBA playoffs provided a lot of entertainment. The Finals featured a juggernaut vs an underdog. Yet, one of the most exciting series of the whole year occurred in the first round. The Golden State Warriors and the Sacramento Kings put on quite a show.
This Western Conference opening series featured two of the most dynamic offensive teams in the NBA. In the end, the Warriors’ two-way prowess would prevail.
The Kings can outscore anybody, but the Warriors can too – and they can stop teams from scoring in the process. There’s another key distinction between these teams.
The Warriors are aging and getting prohibitively expensive. On the other hand, the Kings are on the rise. They could be a key acquisition away from contending for the NBA title.
Could they acquire Andrew Wiggins from the Warriors?
NBA Trade Proposal — Sacramento Kings Land Andrew Wiggins
Golden State Warriors receive: F Harrison Barnes, F/C Trey Lyles, 2026 First-Round Pick (SAC)
Sacramento Kings receive: G/F Andrew Wiggins
These two teams may be on similar levels now. For the last decade, that has not been the case. The Warriors have been amid a dynasty. This team has won multiple championships and set records in the process.
The Kings set a record, too – but it wasn’t the type of record a team wants to set. Sixteen years. That’s how long it took the Kings to get into the postseason. It was the longest drought in the history of the league.
The Kings were consistently near the bottom of the league’s standings for a long time. So, last year’s playoff bid was highly satisfying for fans of this team.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Andrew Wiggins, Golden State Warriors, Sacramento Kings Updates
Another first-round exit wouldn’t satisfy anybody. The Kings broke their streak, and now, they need to advance.
Could acquiring Wiggins help them accomplish that goal?
Why The Sacramento Kings Do The Deal
Some of Sacramento’s troubles start with Domantas Sabonis. Yet, much of their success does too. He’s a dynamic, playmaking big man who provides a lot for this team on the offensive end. Unfortunately, on the defensive end, he struggles.
Trading him isn’t an option at the moment. Unless the Kings were getting a superstar in return, the team’s offense would be without him. So, the Kings need to acquire players that complement Sabonis. This deal has them doing so. Wiggins would be the perfect addition to this team.
After all, he’s one of the better 3-and-D wings in the NBA. Wiggins is the ultimate plug-and-play guy: he should complement any contender.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Andrew Wiggins, Golden State Warriors, Sacramento Kings Updates
He can lock down the point of attack to ease Sabonis’ burden, and on the other end, he’ll space the floor and create shots when asked to. Should the Warriors part with him?
Why The Golden State Warriors Do The Deal
The Warriors are struggling to agree on an extension with Klay Thompson. That makes sense. This team’s cap sheet has gotten complicated. Here, we’ve got them alleviating some of those concerns.
After all, Wiggins is on a large, long-term deal. Here, we’ve got the Warriors getting it off of the books. Whether they use that money to extend Thompson, this deal will ease some of the Warriors’ financial burden. It also ought to keep them relevant enough.
Barnes and Lyles are both serviceable rotation players. This isn’t a rebuild for the Warriors – it’s a step towards retooling. Yet, the unprotected first-rounder is the most valuable asset that the Warriors are getting here.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Andrew Wiggins, Golden State Warriors, Sacramento Kings Updates
If this aging team does decide to rebuild, that’s a fantastic asset. Alternatively, they could use that deal to make another big trade and continue giving us an exciting playoff series.
