Andrew Wiggins – can, or should, Raptors make deal for him?
By Brian Boake
Minnesota’s Andrew Wiggins is the subject of trade speculation. Are the Raptors even in the market for the perplexing yet gifted Canadian swingman?
The Minnesota Timberwolves suffered the fate of almost all #8 seeds in the NBA Playoffs, going down to defeat at the hands of the Houston Rockets. The youthful T’Wolves (or T’Pups, as many liked to describe them) managed one victory against the league’s top team, which is about as much as could be expected.
Minnesota committed huge money to young Canadian swingman Andrew Wiggins, signing him to an extension worth $ 113 million over 4 years starting next season. At least one T’Wolves beat writer is wondering if the team is already suffering buyer’s remorse. In the opinion of Jim Souhan, the team should bail on Wiggins and keep Jimmy Butler.
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I wrote a post about Wiggins years ago, before he was drafted, in which I concocted a way for the Toronto Raptors to acquire him. He was the 2014 #1 overall selection, the second Canadian to be so honoured (or cursed – the first was Anthony Bennet…ay caramba!) in a row.
Wiggins still a question mark
Wiggins is a perplexing player. His scoring dropped this season by almost six points per game (from 23.6 to 17.7) in almost as many minutes of PT. He’s 23, and should be taking strides towards becoming one of the league’s best two-way swingmen. Instead he’s barely running in place.
Even so, there’s a lot to like about Andrew, including the fact he’s never hurt. He’s played 81 or 82 games in every one of his four seasons. He’s still young, comes from a distinguished athletic family, and isn’t a problem off the court.
All that aside, Minny has committed huge money. Since Wiggins been with them, they have won one playoff game. The salary cap is barely budging in 2018-19 (up $ 2 million to $101 M). I suspect Minnesota’s front office knows something’s got to give.
Don’t lose, boys
If the Raptors were to put in an offer, it would be franchise-altering. I can see a deal put in place (with somebody, not necessarily Minnesota) should Toronto fall to Washington in Round 1. The outcry would be too much for President Masai Ujiri to withstand.
The Raptors could surrender Serge Ibaka and C.J. Miles. Our team would immediately get much younger (Serge is 28, while C.J. just turned 31) and more athletic. Two holes would be created; we’d need to find a power forward and a quick-trigger gunner off the bench. Whether Pascal Siakam can step into the starter’s job at the 4-spot is debatable, likewise the possibility of Norman Powell regaining his long-distance shooting form.
Positionless hoops?
Meanwhile, Andrew would need to find a starter’s spot. If you don’t believe in a classic 4-man like Serge in the small-ball era, the problem is easily solved. Our opening quartet is Jonas & The Smurfs. Pascal remains part of the bench mob, though he’s a spot starter if someone is injured or in need of a rest day.
The amount of research and consultation which Masai would call for before a trade for Andrew Wiggins could occur would boggle the mind. This post barely touches the surface.
If the Raptors close out the Wizards, and enjoy a strong series against their next opponent, I doubt a Wiggins trade receives any consideration. If not, a storm will break over the Raptors’ roster.