Andrew Wiggins success may be why the Warriors don’t propose a blockbuster trade

Any blockbuster trade the Golden State Warriors propose would more than likely include Andrew Wiggins, and they may not want to part ways with him.

The Golden State Warriors are in playoff contention.

Now, the reason that they’ve been able to destroy preseason expectations is largely on Stephen Curry‘s MVP-like play, but it’s also partially on Andrew Wiggins, who has been one of the most-talked-about players in terms of being dealt within the Warriors fanbase.

Wiggins kicked off his first full season with the team in 2020 and has been a pivotal factor in almost every game. He’s stayed healthy and been able to be among the team’s best defensive players, something many didn’t think was going to be possible when they brought him in.

Offensively, Wiggins has grown as well.

While he’s played in six seasons and averaged over 20 points per game in three of them, Wiggins hasn’t shot overly efficient in any of those six seasons, not hitting 46 percent from the field until this season.

With the Warriors, he’s changing that pattern.

Wiggins is shooting 47 percent from the field and 39 percent from deep. Both of those are career highs. Add in that he’s leading the team in blocks, and it’s clear that he’s made his impact felt to a point where trading him to just get off his contract wouldn’t be smart.

If the Warriors were to make a blockbuster trade, they’d have to deal a rather large contract, which is where Wiggins’ name gets thrown around. He is making an outrageous $29.5 million this season and will be above $30 million in both of the next two seasons.

So, yes, his contract, even for his productivity, may not be ideal. But, the Warriors knew they were bringing that to their franchise when they dealt him for D’Angelo Russell and that coveted 2021 first-round pick among other moving pieces.

With the Warriors, they have Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and Curry all on max-value contract.

On top of those three, Wiggins is on a max-value deal as well. To bring in a Bradley Beal-type player, trading one of those four is a must, and it certainly wouldn’t be any of the three listed ahead of Wiggins.

However, Wiggins is making sure he’s kept out of trade rumors as well. Scoring 18 points and hitting 2 threes per game, the former No. 1 overall pick is finally reaching his potential with the Warriors.

He’s playing much more comfortable basketball as teams have to heavily focus on Curry which oftentimes helps players like Wiggins get open looks. That said, his improved play may be why the Warriors don’t engage for a player like Beal.

It’s a double-edged sword, but at least this way the Warriors are able to keep their future intact.