The Warriors trade piece becoming a Finals star

Andrew Wiggins wasn’t supposed to be here, on this stage of the NBA Finals. When he was acquired by the Golden State Warriors in February 2020, most thought he was a short-term investment that Bob Myers and the front office would eventually flip for greater talent.

Sure, he was theoretically a better fit for the Warriors than D’Angelo Russell, but nonetheless, analysts observed that the Timberwolves’ 2021 top-three protected first-round pick was the prized piece of that transaction.

With Stephen Curry having an off-night, Andrew Wiggins stepped up and got the job done to push the Golden State Warriors one game away from a title.

Most Golden State fans appreciated Wiggins’ value and fit within the team dynamic last season, but league-wide recognition was slow to come and external trade discussions remained prominent heading into this season.

Even after being named as an All-Star starter for the first time, many made light of the selection and criticized the voting process.

Fast-forward to the postseason and Wiggins has finally won over the minds of even his fiercest detractors. His stocks have continued to rise as the playoffs progress, making winnings plays on a constant basis as the Warriors take a 3-2 lead.

That may be the biggest development of his career – the ability to contribute to winning in different ways, a far cry from the pure scorer who often frustrated fans in Minnesota.

The former number one pick was the best player on the court in game five, despite going 0-for-6 from three-point range. His defense is an ever-reliable constant, while the consistently improving rebounding has all of a sudden exploded with 29 in the last two games.

Wiggins is now using his unique athleticism in all the right ways – to hound opposition wings, rebound aggressively, and emphatically fly to the rim in a way no other Warrior rotation player can. Although he may be a reformed player, even some of those distinctive fadeaway jump shots appeared smooth as butter as he kept his team on top in the first half.

The competitiveness and desire to win is a complete 360 from the portrayal he’s often held within league circles. In a team where many of his teammates have tasted championship success, Wiggins has regularly alluded to the enormity of the occasion. 

"“It’s something I dreamt about for sure, being in the league, and this is the ultimate stage. It doesn’t get bigger than this.”"

Not only is Wiggins turning the fortunes of the Warriors Finals campaign right now, but head coach Steve Kerr even weeks ago appreciated the impact of the Wiggins-Russell trade in re-igniting Golden State’s championship window.

"“The Wiggins trade allowed us to start to rebuild that wing defense. Wiggs has just been so good, he’s gotten so much better over the last couple years. He’s a perfect fit next to our guys.”"

Wiggins and the Warriors are one win from the NBA championship. If Finals MVP was awarded at present, then it’s very likely he’d sit behind Curry in second place.

Not bad for someone often considered untradeable given his lofty contract. Regularly viewed as someone they’d trade for an All-Star talent, Wiggins has become that player the Warriors craved in the aftermath of Kevin Durant’s departure.