Warriors News: Sacrificing 3x NBA Champ Proves To Help Andrew Wiggins’ Paris Olympics Misery, Not Just Billionaire Owners

When the 20-man training camp roster for Team Canada was announced, it was hailed as one of the best. With the Canadians ranking top among overseas players (24) in the NBA, this year’s training roster for the Olympics also reflected that. And a prominent name among the 20 was Andrew Wiggins. One of the most high-profile players in Canadian basketball history, Wiggs has not represented his country since the Tokyo Olympic qualifiers in July 2021.

So, you can imagine the excitement the former No. 1 pick was in. If you are wondering why we used ‘was,’ it was for the simple reason that the Warriors pulled him off the roster at the 11th hour. Of course, there is nothing simple about that. And yet, there is no easier way to put it.

The Athletic’s Anthony Slater calls it a “mutual decision.” Apparently, there were concerns about his health and perhaps, the main driving point, a trade. “Mutual decision between the Warriors and Andrew Wiggins to prioritize his health and hold him out of Olympics, I’m told. Doesn’t preclude GSW from possibly trading him, but it’s a medical decision. Wiggins dealt with an ankle issue late this past season.”

As we all know, Andrew Wiggins struggled to return to his thriving 2022 self when the Warriors won their last title with the Splash Brothers. A key piece in the championship run, the 6’7 forward had an underwhelming season this year. Wiggs finished with the worst points per game (13.2) of his career in 2023-24. Despite that, he still showcased steady shooting, going 45.3% from the field and 35.8% from beyond the arc.

Yet, it seems like it would be tough to find a willing candidate for Andrew. For one, the three years, $87 million left in his contract seems to have a deterring effect. So, the best-case scenario would be to use Wiggins as part of a bigger deal. But in case that is not an option, the Dubs can take another route. It’s just a somewhat longer one, that’s all. And that trade scenario is the Clippers-Warriors one. LA is yet to reach an agreement with Paul George.

However, the problem here is that direct routes would cap them at the first apron. Yet, the front office isn’t for nothing. Digging a little deeper will provide them with a three-team deal. For example, Gary Payton II, Chris Paul, and Moses Moody for Paul George. And then, trade 3x NBA champion Kevon Looney to a third team, which effectively solves the tax apron issue, as per John Hollinger of The Athletic. If they want to further sweeten the pot, throw in Andrew Wiggins.

But even without the 29-year-old, it could be a deal that has a high likelihood of success. Not to mention, it could help Andrew get back to the Canada training camp. After all, the Canada basketball GM called out the Warriors’ bluff.

Rowan Barrett leaves diplomacy at home as he puts Joe Lacob and Co. on the stand

Yup! The Canada GM cut no corners as he expressed his displeasure at losing Andrew Wiggins. Raptors beat reporter for TSN Sports, Josh Lewenberg tweeted Barret’s take on the whole situation. “Canada GM Rowan Barrett said that Wiggins was cleared and ready to go for camp but they got a call from the Warriors a few days ago saying that they’re holding him out. “From what I see this is not an Andrew decision, this is from the team.”” 

Wiggins was medically cleared and insured by Canada Basketball and was ready to go. But it was a last-minute decision from the Dubs front office to hold him. Wiggs was pretty much a sealed deal in the final 12, with his position as a starter also decided. The main reason the Golden State stated was ankle issues, as mentioned above.

Honestly, though, it could be more of a trade value issue that could be at play here. As explained, Wiggins’ market isn’t exactly favorable right now. The GSW, though, needs a third superstar desperately. But they also have tax aprons to consider. Under such circumstances, were Andrew to get injured, whatever value he holds now will further decrease. And that’s not a risk the franchise wants to take right about now.

Of course, this is just speculation. Anyway, it is certainly a huge loss for both parties. A little too hard for Wiggins, perhaps. “He’s gone through a lot the last couple of years and then, obviously, his mother was an Olympian and this is something he’s looking forward to,” Barrett noted.

Hopefully, the Warriors can arrive at a decision sooner rather than later. And maybe Wiggs might find himself part of the Canadian team in the Olympics for the first time in 24 years. What do you make of his odds? Drop them in the comments.

 But before you go, be sure to check this video of Leonardo Armato’s take on the deadly duo, Shaq and Kobe.

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