5 best trade packages Warriors can get for Andrew Wiggins amid latest reports
Andrew Wiggins had a solid game in the Golden State Warriors’ double-overtime 145-144 loss to the LA Lakers on Saturday. “Wiggs” finished with 22 points, five rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block in 41 minutes. The former All-Star’s output was the most he has scored since he had 25 on Dec. 18 versus the Denver Nuggets.
Golden State, after the loss to the LA Lakers, has dropped to 19-23. The Dubs are 12th in the Western Conference, two games behind LA for the 10th spot and last play-in tournament berth. Steph Curry has been playing great but the Warriors desperately need to bolster their roster.
Based on a report by NBA insider Marc Stein, the Warriors are “most open” to trading Andrew Wiggins to improve the supporting cast around Curry. The value Golden State can get in return remains uncertain. Wiggins is playing well below his 2021-22 season when he helped the Dubs win the championship.
Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. might need to sweeten any deal to move the 2014 No. 1 pick. He may have to add a coveted first-round pick to get significant value out of the former All-Star.
The Warriors could trade Andrew Wiggins to one of the teams on this list:
#5 Utah Jazz
The Golden State Warriors are expected to “sell low” with Andrew Wiggins as the former All-Star’s play has significantly dropped. Moving him to the Utah Jazz together with a 2028 first-round pick for Kelly Olynyk and rookie Taylor Hendricks could benefit both teams.
Olynyk’s minutes and production have dropped since coming off the bench most of the time this season. He is competing for minutes with John Collins and Walker Kessler for the starting center spot. Hendricks, meanwhile, was the No. 9 pick of the 2023 NBA Draft. He has struggled to gain minutes behind Lauri Markkanen and Simon Fontecchio.
Moving on from Wiggins could also free the Golden State Warriors from the brutal second apron and they also get a versatile big man. Olynyk is also hitting 43.0% from deep this season, which will be something the Dubs will be happy to utilize.
Hendricks will develop under the Warriors’ system the way they did with Jonathan Kuminga. Parting with a first-round pick will be tough but Golden State desperately needs to retool around Steph Curry.
Andrew Wiggins may perform better without the limelight and heavy expectations in Utah. The Jazz will have another first-round draft pick in their rebuild.
#4 Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks have been trying to find their right starting small forward over the last two seasons. They have asked Derrick Jones Jr. and even guard Josh Green to play that role for them. To fix the situation, they could move Tim Hardaway Jr. and Green for Andrew Wiggins and a 2028 first-round pick from Golden State.
“Wiggs” gets the starting small forward spot while the draft pick will be the sweetener. The Warriors get Hardaway who will be a plug-and-play addition off the bench with his outside shooting. Green seems ready to have a two-way impact in the playoffs.
Golden State’s payroll gets a little bit of breathing room if the trade happens.