The Golden State Warriors are expected to be active during the upcoming offseason. Their current roster failed to make the playoffs. The front office will undoubtedly want to maximize the final few years of Stephen Curry’s career.
According to an NBA executive who spoke with Sean Deveney of Heavy on Sports, one potential moving part is Andrew Wiggins, who has previously been discussed as a potential trade chip.
Wiggins will reportedly be back on the trade block this summer.
“That is the big chip they have to play,” the executive said. “They looked at trading him in (February) at the deadline but there was not anything there for them, nothing serious. But it is a foregone conclusion they’re going to look to do it again. They will have to put in young pieces, but he’s their only real path to retooling that roster.”
Wiggins has three more years on his $109 million deal. He was a major factor in Golden State’s run to the 2022 NBA championship, but he has failed to reach that level of play since. As such, the Warriors may feel that a change of scenery would be best for both parties.
There’s no doubt that Wiggins is still an elite three-and-d forward. There should be a doubt whether we will see that again while he resides in the Bay Area, where team owner Joe Lacob is attempting to duck under the luxury tax.
Golden State would likely want a fair return for Wiggins. He is just entering his prime, an NBA champion, and has two years of team control before his player option becomes a factor. Fortunately for the Warriors, explosive three-and-d wings are in short supply, especially ones that thrive in a starting unit.
Moving on from Wiggins makes sense. It would allow the front office to begin retooling Steve Kerr’s roster. It could also provide a path to consistent minutes for Jonathan Kuminga, who projects to be a future All-Star in the NBA.
For now, though, the front office will likely be doing their due diligence on potential trade targets, weighing any Wiggins deal’s on-court and business ramifications.
