The Golden State Warriors will want to keep Andrew Wiggins for a reasonable price next summer. That means Wiggins will have to really prove it if he wants to earn another max contract.
Andrew Wiggins probably won’t be offered a max contract extension if he isn’t able to show the Golden State Warriors he is worth it, again.
Wiggins was basically handed the max from a Minnesota team desperate to cling onto any and all of the talent it could retain. His production essentially flattened after this, as contentment and being stuck in basketball purgatory stopped Wiggins from improving.
This all changed when he arrived in Golden State. Rejuvenated with a fresh change of scenery, Wiggins was able to flourish as the second, sometimes the third, option offensively.
His new role allowed Wiggins to focus more on defense where his physical gifts truly shined. Wiggins is a hyper-versatile defender who can tackle any of the NBA’s best perimeter threats.
To no surprise, Wiggins earned his first All-Star nod and played a critical role in helping the Warriors capture a championship.
With his contract officially coming to an end next summer, Wiggins is going to be looking for another payday. One the Warriors might not be able to offer if he doesn’t absolutely force their hand.
Golden State is already loaded with more assets than they can afford. With Klay Thompson, Draymond Green and Jordan Poole all looking for max extensions sooner — can they really keep Wiggins on the roster for this price tag?
Thompson and Green are higher than Wiggins on the hierarchy and will likely be guaranteed the money before him.
The question then is, who gets the max between Wiggins and Poole?
A light-hearted competition between two teammates could be a good thing. Wiggins will have to outperform Poole and continue to be one of the NBA’s best two-way players in order to earn his payday.