Andrew Wiggins has had yet another up-and-down season in 2023-24. After appearing to get his career on track with the Golden State Warriors in the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons, his personal issues and inconsistency have led to him becoming their most expendable starter.
Indeed, according to The Ringer’s Logan Murdock, “league sources believe Andrew Wiggins will be included in trade talks this summer as the Warriors look to improve their roster.”
Andrew Wiggins to be Included in Offseason Trade Talks?
Over the past two seasons, Wiggins has averaged 14.6 points, 4.7 rebounds and 0.8 steals per game. He’s been relatively efficient overall, shooting 46.1 percent from the field and 37.6 percent from 3. However, in between the start of the 2023-24 season and the All-Star Break, he only managed to convert 34.2 percent of his 3s.
Now, with the evolution of Jonathan Kuminga, the Warriors are considering whether there’s too much overlap between he and Wiggins to move forward with the frontcourt pairing.
Roster Redundancies?
As a starter, Kuminga has averaged 17.2 points and 5.2 assists per game while shooting 53.1 percent from the field. An athletic downhill scorer, Kuminga’s on-ball defense and 3-point shooting aren’t refined enough to be relied upon. Yet, at 21 years old, he has the potential for exponential growth in those areas.
With that said, Wiggins has taken a step back from his All-Star performance in 2021-22. Nonetheless, he’s still their most reliable 3-and-D wing. As a result, while there are some roster redundancies, it’s not a black-and-white situation.
Klay Thompson
Klay Thompson’s decline has been well-documented. Thompson remains a potent 3-point threat, making 39.7 percent of his 3s over the past three seasons. However, his lateral agility and perimeter defense are far from what they used to be.
Moses Moody
Third-year guard Moses Moody is an effective defender with a respectable career 3-point percentage (36.2). However, he’s significantly less experienced than Wiggins and there will be a learning curve as he adjusts to being a full-time starter. Furthermore, he’ll be a restricted free agent in next offseason.
Brandin Podziemski
Lastly, though rookie Brandin Podziemski made 38.5 percent of his 3s, he’s more of a Swiss Army Knife than defensive specialist. A connector that averaged 5.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game, Podziemski is at his best when making plays with the ball in his hands.
Andrew Wiggins Likely to Return
In assessing Wiggins’ future with the Warriors, the main question is whether they can replace him with players currently on the roster.
Right now, the answer is unclear, largely because Moody hasn’t often played extended minutes. Yet, due to that uncertainty, it’s impossible to comfortably say they should trade the former No. 1 pick. If Golden State loses Thompson in free agency (and there’s a real chance that they may), Wiggins becomes that much more valuable.
Wiggins’ contract could also prove to be an obstacle in a potential deal.
In trading Wiggins, the intent would be to get a better player. Those types of transactions usually require draft compensation or young prospects. In the Warriors’ case, this could require them to part ways with Moody, Podziemski, or Trayce Jackson-Davis. Golden State also has five first-round picks through the 2030 NBA Draft.
However, Wiggins is owed $74.7 million over the next three seasons. As a result, several teams could balk at the idea of acquiring him. This is particularly true of players with poor reputations, like Wiggins.
Ultimately, when considering that Wiggins could be their best 3-and-D player at what they may have to surrender in a Wiggins trade, it’s hard to believe that trading him is their best course of action.
Barring a blockbuster trade spurred by a star’s soured mood or a franchise’s disenchantment with said player, the most likely scenario is that he returns.
Chris Paul Trade on the Horizon?
19-year veteran Chris Paul may be Golden State’s most likely trade candidate.
A strange fit with the Warriors from the time he was acquired, Paul has a partially guaranteed $30 million expiring contract next season. Due to his accomplishments, experience, knowledge, leadership, and ability, multiple teams could target Paul in a trade.
The up-and-coming Orlando Magic could make use of his 3-point prowess and playoff experience. Such a deal could lead to the Warriors acquiring draft assets as they eye the post-Stephen Curry Era.
The New Orleans Pelicans are also on the rise. A point guard-needy team, a return to the franchise that drafted him could be in the cards. In such a scenario, the Warriors could be inclined to acquire defensive-minded forward Naji Marshall in addition to draft compensation.
