This Golden State Warriors rival could steal Andrew Wiggins

The Golden State Warriors might have a few contenders this summer when it comes to signing Andrew Wiggins.

Currently, at the tail end of his rookie max contract, Wiggins will be hitting the market this July with an opportunity to demand another payday.

Considering how valuable Wiggins has become to the Warriors, it’s likely they foot the bill. But with a luxury tax that is relentlessly restricting Golden State from paying its stars, it is no guarantee they can match the price tag.

One team that has now put themselves in a position to offer Wiggins money is a former foe of the Warriors, the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Cleveland Cavaliers have emerged as a top threat to steal Andrew Wiggins from the Golden State Warriors this summer.

Cleveland just shook the league by trading for three-time All-Star, Donovan Mitchell. Adding another dynamic shot creator to a backcourt featuring Darius Garland, the Cavs now have as many 2022 NBA All-Stars as the Warriors did — and this isn’t including Evan Mobley.

The Cavs aren’t done, though. They are still a solid wing away from being a title contender. With Kevin Love’s massive contract coming to an end this summer, the Cavaliers can take a swing at signing Wiggins.

He is the perfect upgrade for their biggest weakness. Wiggins is a versatile, lanky defender who can fill the gaps between Cleveland’s undersized backcourt and supersized frontcourt.

Wiggins can also shoot the ball, connecting on 39.3% of his 3-point attempts last season.

He’s everything the Cavs need but there is one factor that could stop Cleveland from offering Wiggins the max — and it’s the very same thing that is limiting the Warriors’ ability to pay everyone.

The Cavs are already paying Garland, Mitchell and Jarrett Allen big money. By signing Wiggins to the max, they’d be heavily limiting their ability to offer Evan Mobley a max rookie extension.

Losing Mobley is something they simply can not afford to do. He’s young but Mobley is shaping up to be one of the best big men in the league. Mobley is a generational defender and a blooming scorer — there is no chance the Cavs risk losing their potential franchise cornerstone.

Whether or not Cleveland finds a way to pay everyone is yet to be seen but there is no doubt they’ve entered the running as a team that could pursue Wiggins in 2023.