Golden State Warriors: 3 Potential disasters to avoid
By Tony Pesta
Golden State Warriors are stymied by Andrew Wiggins
Let’s get one thing straight, Andrew Wiggins would be regarded as one of the most valuable 3-and-D wings in the entire NBA if it weren’t for one thing. Well, roughly 30 million things a year, for that matter.
Yes, if Wiggins wasn’t signed to a massive contract that saw him racking in over $60 million dollars over the next two seasons, he would have a much more positive reception around the league. We’ll blame the Minnesota Timberwolves for that one.
Nevertheless, it doesn’t matter who is at fault for giving the former No. 1 pick a max contract. Regardless, this problem now rests on the Golden State Warriors’ shoulders. And, in all honesty, Wiggins’ contract is their biggest roadblock in adding more talent to this roster.
It gets really difficult to squeeze in talent when you already have three players worthy of a max contract slotted on the roster. And no, I am not even going to waste my time explaining why Draymond Green is worthy of his contract.
Where problems emerge is trying to fit a credible supporting cast around the big three when the bulk of the Warriors’ cap space is being obliterated by Wiggins. This can’t be easily solved by trading him, either. As I previously mentioned, Wiggins isn’t a star who can draw in a lucrative trade package on his own. He’s just a versatile wing with value as a role player — a role player who makes $30 million a year.
The only way to navigate around Wiggins’ contract (other than packaging him with more appetizing assets like James Wiseman) is to sign veteran players who are open to minimal contracts. But, the Dubs haven’t done that… at all.
In a commitment to building for the future and remaining light years ahead of everyone else, the Warriors have spent the last few crumbs of their cap on guys like Mychal Mulder, Juan Toscano-Anderson, Damion Lee, Gary Payton II and Kent Bazemore. While I’ll give massive credit to JTA and Lee for balling on a budget — it’s hard to argue the Warriors wouldn’t be more competitive if they used what little financial freedom they have to sign experienced vets.
It is unclear who will be available this summer but the Warriors would be doing themselves a disservice if they didn’t pursue potential low-budget vets like Trevor Ariza, Serge Ibaka, P.J. Tucker, Alec Burks, Avery Bradley, Wayne Ellington and Jeff Green.