The second highest paid player on the Golden State Warriors was a player instrumental for the Warriors in the 2022 Championship run. But he cannot seem to find his form again. What stings even more is his humongous cheque as well. With the Warriors beginning a new era after the departure of Klay Thompson, it is essential that Andrew Wiggins must step up. He has to get back to his All-Star form for the Warriors to help the side.

Selected first overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers, Andrew Wiggins came in hot and fast to make an impression. Yet, the franchise traded him to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for Cleveland’s first-round pick. Over six seasons with the Timberwolves, Wiggins posted solid numbers, averaging 19.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists. But, the 2016-2017 became a turning point in his career.

The player averaged 23.6 points, 4 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and added one steal per game. The 2019-2020 season marked Wiggins’ final year with the Timberwolves before his trade to the Golden State Warriors. In his last 42 appearances with Minnesota, he averaged 22.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and nearly one steal per game. Now those numbers will give us an idea how his value.

Two seasons later, he earned his first All-Star selection and celebrated his first championship. This achievement brought more than just personal satisfaction; it also secured him a fresh four-year contract extension worth $109 million. Now, it all feels like a bad gamble. The Warriors could not continue the dynasty but the fall of Wiggins is a whole different story.

His performance dropped last season, with his three-point shooting slipping from 39.6% to 35.8%, and his scoring average decreasing from 17.1 to 13.2 points per game. This decline affected the 29-year-old’s trade value, and his salary might complicate other roster plans. Wiggins, now 29, has three years remaining on his contract worth $84.6 million, with the final season offering a player option. The best bet for the Warriors would be Wiggins’ return to form.

How much has Andrew Wiggins earned from 2 max contracts and beyond?

Since Wiggins was the first pick in the 2014 Draft, his contract was the highest among the rookies. In his rookie season alone, he earned $5,510,640. Increasing by $250,000 each year until the 2016-17 season in which he made $7.5 million. Wiggins’ initial rookie contract with Minnesota was worth $24 million over four years After his promising early seasons, he secured a substantial five-year rookie extension valued at $147 million. This raised his earnings sharply, from annual figures in the $5-7 million range during his early seasons to $25,467,250 by 2018 as part of his rookie extension.

After joining the Warriors in 2020, he made $29,542,010 in his first season there. In his next season with Warriors he received an increment of $2 million, netting him $31.5 million. Winning the Championship in 2022, Warriors signed him to a four-year, $109 million extension in 2023, maintaining his status as one of their top earners. By 2024, his total career earnings have reached $221,448,397 according to spotrac. A hefty sum for anyone.

At his peak, Andrew Wiggins brings a potent two-way presence on the wing, showcasing exceptional defensive potential. He has the ability to guard top players from opposing teams, effectively containing them while capitalizing on fast-break opportunities. But when he’s off his game, Wiggins’ restricted offensive role can become a drawback, challenging Steve Kerr’s lineup decisions and raising questions about his rotational fit. Everything goes into haywire when Wiggins goes off form.

If Wiggins doesn’t start the season strong, he might find himself amid trade speculations for the second consecutive year. For the Warriors to compete in a tough Western Conference, they need steady contributions from their veteran players. This season is a pivotal one for Wiggins in the Bay Area, as he must show his true worth to what it takes to get the Warriors over the line.