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Grade the Trade: Golden State Warriors make all-time mistake in proposed deal

By Peter O'Keefe

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 18: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors passes the ball to Andrew Wiggins #22 by Isaiah Hartenstein #55 of the New York Knicks during the third quarter of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on November 18, 2022 in San Francisco, California. 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 18: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors passes the ball to Andrew Wiggins #22 by Isaiah Hartenstein #55 of the New York Knicks during the third quarter of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on November 18, 2022 in San Francisco, California. 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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The Golden State Warriors are desperate to strike a balance in their competing aims next season — remain in championship contention while retaining a financial flexibility that allows them to make moves down the track.

Their ambition was evident in the blockbuster draft day trade of Jordan Poole for Chris Paul. While many were left lamenting the lack of value the franchise received for their young guard, there’s little doubt it serves a purpose from a financial standpoint and in their immediate hopes of winning another championship.

Could the Golden State Warriors make another huge, financially-based move with one of their stars this offseason?

Of the 13 players currently contracted to Golden State’s main roster, Andrew Wiggins may be the least likely to be traded outside two-time MVP Stephen Curry. The Canadian may be coming off the most interrupted season of his career, but he’s also about to embark on what appears like an incredibly team-friendly four-year, $109 million contract.

The franchise gave Wiggins the extension last October, coming off the best season of his career where he was arguably the Warriors’ second-best player during their triumphant 2022 championship run.

Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates with the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy after defeating the Boston Celtics 103-90 in Game Six of the 2022 NBA Finals. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates with the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy after defeating the Boston Celtics 103-90 in Game Six of the 2022 NBA Finals. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

While injury and personal issues may have limited the Canadian to just 37 regular season games in 2022-23, he remains an incredibly valuable two-way wing that’s essential to Golden State’s hopes of adding a fifth title in the last decade.

However, with four years left on his contract on over $25 million per season, some believe he’s a trade candidate given the franchise’s wish to open up further financial flexibility. While that’s incredibly unlikely, it hasn’t stopped potential deals from being proposed.

One of the most recent mock trades has come from NBA Analysis Network’s James Piercey, with the suggestion the Warriors move Wiggins to the New York Knicks. Such a deal would be a catastrophic mistake — let’s analyse why.

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