Warriors: Any big-time trade would still have to involve Andrew Wiggins

Golden State Warriors trade rumors are picking up.

Whether it’s Myles Turner or Pascal Siakam, one consistent remains: Andrew Wiggins would have to be involved. While Turner makes more sense financially, his $18 million per year for the next two seasons would be tough to work around.

If the Golden State Warriors are going to make a blockbuster trade, Andrew Wiggins and his massive max-value deal must be involved.

A combination of James Wiseman and Kevon Looney may be able to get the job done, but dealing Wiggins would really be what Golden State needs to be prepared for.

He played well this past season, but his need on his team with Klay Thompson returning isn’t quite there. Wiggins played as a solid second option to Curry, but Thompson going to re-take that spot.

It’s hopeful that any player the Warriors trade for is the third-best scorer on the team. Having a Curry-Thompson-Siakam trio would be lethal and instantly make the Warriors the most dominant offense in the league.

Now, Turner gives a bit more interesting dynamic. He’s led the league in blocks twice and is in the prime of his career. Turner’s ceiling is capped, but capable of defending the paint and the perimeter while also shooting from deep is ideal.

As for Wiggins, it’s nothing personal. He’s just the worst of the players on contracts over $15 million. Draymond Green, Thompson, and Curry aren’t going anywhere, and if the Warriors want to bring in another star, they’ll have to offset that contract.

Wiggins averaged 18.6 points per game last season. While he shot career-high levels from the field and from deep, Wiggins isn’t as impactful as a player like Turner or Siakam would be. His play may be certainly made his contract easier to deal though.

With the rumors starting to fly, Wiseman is also expected to get a fair share of buzz. Coupling Wiggins, Wiseman, and the No. 7 overall pick could result in a player that instantly makes the Warriors championship contenders.

Set to make over $31 million next season and over $33 million the following season, the Warriors are limited by Wiggins’s deal. Per Spotrac, the Warriors have the least cap space in the entire league. They can’t continue to bring in these massive contracts and not eventually trade them out.

That said, in the midst of all the rumors, expect Wiggins’s name to continue to be thrown around as it just makes the most sense for the Dubs to improve this offseason.