The Golden State Warriors are feeling the sting of having traded away Andrew Wiggins. Before the trade deadline, they made a play to bring him back, but the Miami Heat weren’t interested in swapping him for Jonathan Kuminga. Wiggins was a pivotal part of the Warriors' 2022 championship squad, and letting him go to acquire Jimmy Butler hasn't dampened their desire to reunite with the versatile forward.
Wiggins, known for his ability to drop 20 points on any given night and lock down on defense, is a familiar face for Warriors fans. During his time with the Heat, his game has only improved, making him a prime target in free agency if he opts out of his current deal.
With Butler and Moses Moody sidelined at the start of next season due to injuries, the Warriors are keen on bolstering their lineup to stay competitive. Wiggins fits the bill as an ideal complement to their star-studded roster.
The decision to trade Wiggins was the price for acquiring Butler, whose hefty contract forced Golden State to choose between Wiggins and Draymond Green. Given Green's integral role in securing four championships, Wiggins was the one to go.
Currently, Wiggins is putting up impressive numbers: 15.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.0 block per game, while shooting 47.5% from the field and 40.7% from beyond the arc. This kind of production is exactly what the Warriors could use, especially with injuries impacting their lineup.
In a move to bolster their frontcourt, Golden State traded Kuminga for Kristaps Porzingis, though concerns about Porzingis' injury history linger. Wiggins' proven fit with the team makes the case for his return even stronger.
As the Warriors gear up for an offseason of potential blockbuster moves, they’re already being linked to big names like LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard. Yet, if they pivot towards reinforcing their depth with role players, Wiggins would undoubtedly be a top priority.
Wiggins could have been a consistent 20-point scorer while the roster heals, and he knows how to adjust his role when the team is at full strength. His presence could have kept the Warriors in the playoff hunt, but instead, they’re closing out a challenging season with the pressure on to make significant roster upgrades.
The regret over trading Wiggins is palpable. While Butler might play a crucial role next season, Wiggins was already a proven champion with the Warriors. Their attempt to bring him back speaks volumes, and don’t be surprised if they make another push this summer to correct this oversight.