Andrew Wiggins, the forward for the Warriors, has had a frustrating season thus far and might benefit from a new start. A possible suitor is allegedly expressing interest in Wiggins, who has been linked to many speculations as the NBA trade deadline of February 8 draws near.
On Wednesday, Jake Fischer cited league sources as saying that the Dallas Mavericks were among the numerous clubs interested in trading for Toronto Raptors All-Star forward Pascal Siakam. The Mavericks are also reportedly linked to Wiggins, P.J. Washington, and Dorian Finney-Smith, among other versatile forwards.
According to Fletcher, the Indiana Pacers are close to completing a trade to get Siakam. In exchange, Toronto would receive three first-round selections, Jordan Nwore, Bruce Brown, and the deal is being finalized, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, who cited sources. Now that Siakam is supposedly out of the picture, attention may go to other candidates, including Wiggins.
This versatile forward started his NBA career with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2014 before being traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves in a three-team transaction. He played for the Timberwolves for six seasons until being traded to the Warriors in 2020.
Wiggins settled into his new Bay Area home with the Warriors and was an integral cog in their 2022 NBA Championship run, averaging 16.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.8 assists, one steal, and one block in 34.9 minutes per game while shooting 46.9 percent from the field.
In spite of his best efforts, the 28-year-old continues to struggle this season, recording career lows in practically every category while playing 26.3 minutes per game: points (11.9), field goals (42.2%), three-pointers (29.6%), rebounds (4.2), and assists (1.5). Also, he is no longer guaranteed a starting role; he has played in 36 games for the Warriors this season, but he has only started 11 of those off the bench.
Despite NBA teams supposedly expecting the Warriors to be "open" to trading Wiggins, according to NBA insider Marc Stein, ESPN's Marc Spears said earlier this week that an unnamed general manager told him "there's not a lot of value for Wiggins right now," unless the forward is combined with another player or more assets.
Another contract extension that Wiggins inked with Golden State was for four years and $109 million; he is now in the first year of that deal.
Compared to where they were at this time last year, Dallas' current record of 24-17 and fifth place in the West is a significant improvement. However, Mavericks general manager Mike Dunleavy may be getting a call or two from the team in need of reinforcements.