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Warriors’ Andrew Wiggins for Kristaps Porzingis — who says no?

By Peter O'Keefe

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 21: Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Golden State Warriors runs against the Washington Wizards during the second half at Capital One Arena on April 21, 2021 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 21: Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Golden State Warriors runs against the Washington Wizards during the second half at Capital One Arena on April 21, 2021 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
(Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

Verdict

Although Wiggins was much improved across the regular season, the Warriors should still move on from him should Porzingis become available in a straight player-for-player trade. That would then give them an opportunity to survey the league for potential wing types in a James Wiseman trade should they wish.

One thing working for Wiggins is the drastic difference in durability and availability given Porzingis’ injury troubles. Since entering the league, the Latvian has played 286 regular-season games. In that same period, Wiggins has played 497 regular-season games.

We just have to see the difference in perceptions to understand that Porzingis is still valued as the better player of the two.

Many saw this as Wiggins’s best season in the NBA, whilst many saw it as Porzingis’ worst since his first two seasons. Yet despite these perceptions, the two were very similar on the offensive end.

Porzingis in a Warrior uniform also presents some upside that Wiggins simply doesn’t have.

There’s no doubt he struggles in a Mavericks offense centered entirely on Luka Doncic. Would the Warriors motion offense allow him a greater opportunity to thrive? On the defensive end, would playing next to Draymond Green increase his defensive production like it has for Wiggins?

Next. Top 30 Golden State Warriors players in franchise history. dark

Warriors fans, do you trade Wiggins for Porzingis straight up?

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