Keeping in mind their recent slump which involved fans turning their backs on the team, the Golden State Warriors will have to make immediate changes to their squad if they truly intend to compete for the playoffs and the NBA championship. While multiple trade talks surround the team, the only trade possibilities that stand out at this moment are the packages surrounding two players, Andrew Wiggins and Jonathan Kuminga.
While Jonathan Kuminga’s potential exit to the Raptors for Pascal Siakam is the talk of the town, another rising contender for a potential trade is the 28-year-old Andrew Wiggins.
Hawks emerge to be Andrew Wiggins next destination
With rampant calls from their superstar Stephen Curry emphasizing the need for change, the Warriors could very well begin with the trade of their star, Andrew Wiggins.
Wiggins was acquired by the Dubs in 2020 for his threatening presence on the court and the versatile skillsets he has to offer, often not sticking to his traditional role of just being a power forward. The star is now linked to an NBA trade rumor which could see him make a move to the Eastern Conference.
Reports emerged that the Atlanta Hawks are the favorites to land the No.1 pick of the 2014 NBA Draft. While there are no official reports, it is most likely that the two teams will engage in a player-for-player deal, with Wiggins leaving to the Hawks.
A feasible trade for the Warriors would be receiving Clint Capela for Wiggins. The Warriors who are struggling with size could quite possibly benefit from Capela’s aggressive rebounding and also strengthen their flawed defensive structure.
Along with the Hawks, who are leading the race for Wiggins, the other teams in contention are the Chicago Bulls, the Toronto Raptors and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Raptors could build an interesting trade package, which involves sending their beloved star Pascal Siakam in exchange for the services of Wiggins and Jonathan Kuminga. Regardless, the rumored exit of Wiggins from the Warriors would be a huge relief for the team, and it also provides Wiggins with an opportunity to get back on track.
Andrew Wiggins performances this NBA season
There is no need to mince words regarding the season Wiggins is having for the Warriors. He has been terrible for the team who are in dire need of a spark that will revive their NBA season.
This season for the Warriors, Wiggins is averaging a very sub-par 11.9 points per game, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.5 assists. While one can argue that his defense overshadows his lack of offensive consistency, his defense has been far amazing, nothing close to his output in the Warriors 2022-23 season where they won the NBA title.
It is safe to say that Wiggins’ role on the defensive end of the floor is the only attribute that is keeping him with the Warriors this season. His shooting has been terrible, his scoring has been way too inconsistent, and he doesn’t provide a sense of surety for the Warriors. In short, the player has been a headache for the Golden State Warriors.
While it is unclear what the team from San Francisco plans on doing with Wiggins, one of the better options for both sides would be to say goodbye at the earliest. The Warriors cannot waste any time. They are slipping through the cracks and the change Stephen Curry called for has to begin and the Warriors could quite easily start with Andrew Wiggins.
What are your thoughts on Andrew Wiggins’ performances this NBA season? Will the Warriors look to trade him? Who are the players the Warriors should trade? We are eager to know your thoughts and opinions so feel free to comment below.
