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Golden State Warriors: The case for, and against, trading Andrew Wiggins

By Nathan Beighle

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 14: Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Golden State Warriors looks on against the Charlotte Hornets during their game at Spectrum Center on November 14, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 14: Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Golden State Warriors looks on against the Charlotte Hornets during their game at Spectrum Center on November 14, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Golden State Warriors: Making the case for trading Andrew Wiggins

Andrew Wiggins is set to make over $33 million next season. His supermax contract and D’Angelo Russell’s fit/relationship with Karl-Anthony Towns were all reasons why Wiggins was traded from Minnesota to Golden State prior to the 2020 deadline.

A former No. 1 overall pick, Wiggins was more of an afterthought during his time in Minnesota, being looked at as just a premier scorer. Even at that, he wasn’t nearly as efficient. It’s about the system, and while playing alongside Curry and Green, it’s far easier to play good basketball.

With that in mind, while Wiggins is a star this season, a player like Ben Simmons may better fit with how the Warriors play, especially with Thompson healthy. We saw Thompson sprinkle in seven triples as it was his time to shine against the Timberwolves.

The Warriors should prefer to have Thompson or Curry shooting, and when they aren’t Jordan Poole is there as well. Nonetheless, Golden State may find a transition-first, defensive-minded player like Simmons would be a perfect fit.

It makes sense, and it would cost Wiggins. With his stock at an all-time high and Simmons’ declining by the day, it could be a good trade. As of now, it’s really the only target worth even mentioning with a potential Wiggins deal.

To add to that, Wiggins has yet to top 25 points in a single game against teams like Philadelphia, Phoenix, Brooklyn, and Milwaukee. He’s not a main option when the stakes are at their highest.

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