One of the more controversial stories to come out this NBA offseason involved the Golden State Warriors. After a disappointing finish to their season, the team is now withholding Andrew Wiggins from participating in the Olympics for Team Canada. Instead, they aggressively pursue deals for the one-time All-Star.
But, with back-to-back disappointing seasons under his belt, what does the market look like for Maple Jordan?
Trade Market for Andrews Wiggins
With three years and nearly $85 million, including a player option, Wiggins is a hard bargain for any team. Moreover, his production has belied his contract, averaging just 13.2 ppg this past season. With his defense also deteriorating, the sun might have set on a career rejuvenation for the former number 1 overall pick.
In a worrying trend, injuries have become a cause of concern for the 2019 Most Improved Player. For the Warriors, one of the key areas of need is the big man position.
The team is small outside of Trayce Jackson Davis. As a result, a team like the Portland Trailblazers or the Cleveland Cavaliers could be ideal as a trade partner.
Both those teams possess a plethora of big-man options and need a trade. In the case of Portland, Golden State might have to attach a few other assets to get their man. But, for the Cavs, the answer might be far simpler.
Since the Donovan Mitchell trade, the team has struggled to find a consistent option at the starting 3 slot. While Wiggins has seen a downward career trajectory in recent years, he would still be the clear-cut best option for the role. It could be an ideal swap for both sides, with Jarrett Allen in the rumor mill for trades.
Trade Options for Warriors
Like the Paul George rumor mill, the Bay Area sought an upgraded Wiggins rather than solve the center conundrum. While that deal died, a similar archetype, Brandon Ingram, could present itself. Of course, George ended up on the Philadelphia 76ers instead.
Steve Kerr and his crew might have to part ways with a few more assets, namely Moses Moody and a pick, but Ingram would fill many holes left by the initial Kevin Durant departure.
In a wildcard name, Jimmy Butler’s ongoing dissent with the Miami Heat could also be lucrative to the Warriors. While highly unlikely, a swap between the two discontented stars and draft compensation could bring a bonafide killer to the Bay.
If the Warriors aim to offload salaries, as Joe Lacob alluded to earlier in the year, but there isn’t as significant of a need in the short-term for this with Klay Thompson departing for the Dallas Mavericks. With how the chips fell this summer, it’s understandable the trade market hasn’t led to a deal involving Wiggins yet.
It is a busy summer in the Bay, and the Warriors are running out of options quickly. Where do you think Andrew Wiggins eventually ends up? Could a deal occur closer to the midseason deadline?
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