Andrew Wiggins has rejuvenated after years of being tossed dust at. He is playing like he is living up to the lofty expectations that everyone placed on a young Wiggins. Since donning the Warriors’ gold, he has hushed his naysayers and gradually made strides as a competent two-way player. And now the former first overall pick will be playing in his first NBA Finals.
The 27-year-old Canadian also became an All-star starter this season, alongside his teammate Stephen Curry. That appears to have ignited a fire within him, as he is playing like a seasoned veteran in the postseason.
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Steve Kerr was all praises for Wiggins and commented on how well the third-year Warrior has performed this postseason. “Wiggs has just been a perfect fit. We wouldn?t be here without him,”?the Warriors coach said.
"Wiggs has just been a perfect fit and we wouldn't be here without him, that's for sure."
Kerr reflects on the acquisition of Andrew Wiggins and how well he has played this postseason. pic.twitter.com/Xv9gdAZUYf
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) May 30, 2022
Wiggins will enter the last year of his max contract next season, which will earn him a staggering $33.6 million. Following his final payday, the Canadian will become an unrestricted free agent. That most certainly will be his last chance to cash in on another max deal. However, whether that opportunity comes from the Warriors or another franchise, remains to be seen.
Wiggins’ ascent to prominence is an incredible story that should not be forgotten. However, there is another player who has contributed a great deal to the Dubs, and the team would like to reward him with his anticipated contract. Jordan Poole had a breakout season for the Warriors and is in line for an extension this summer.
A potential massive deal for Jordan Poole bodes problems for Andrew Wiggins
Jordan Poole’s meteoric rise to prominence may signal trouble for Andrew Wiggins. Poole wowed as a starter and as the first guy off the bench with his scoring prowess and lights-out shooting. As a result, the Warriors are nearly expected to sign him to a massive multi-year contract this summer, before he becomes a restricted free agent in 2023.
It is undeniable that the Warriors are already lavishing tremendous sums of money on their stars. Stephen Curry‘s massive contract will earn him $48 million next season and over $50 million over the following 3 seasons. Draymond Green and Klay Thompson are also on max contracts and are in line to make loads of money over the next two years.
Meaning that unless Wiggins is ready to forego millions of dollars to remain a Dub, Poole’s contract will provide a way out for him.
The Warriors are never hesitant to reward players who have shown themselves deserving of a lucrative contract. However, this time may be different since the Warriors have a number of players queued up to be paid. Kevon Looney has also become a fan favorite after an impressive season. He, too, is set to get paid.
22 REBOUNDS for @Loon_Rebel5 🔥
Inserted back into the starting lineup… Kevon Looney's 11 offensive and 11 defensive rebounds were crucial in lifting the @warriors to the Western Conference Finals! pic.twitter.com/kN6KcH5ACh
— NBA (@NBA) May 14, 2022
As a result, if the Warriors decide to reward Jordan Poole with a massive contract, it will mean saying goodbye to Wiggins sooner than anticipated. Kerr, however, appears to be impressed with Wiggins and might like to include him in his future plans. So it could be the other way around as well.
Wiggins may have to go elsewhere for the massive paycheck
Wiggins might not ever achieve the superstar status he seemed destined for when he was chosen first overall in the 2014 NBA Draft. The Canadian, however, is maturing into a more versatile player in his late-20s. Wiggins has certainly developed and become a more trustworthy defender for the Warriors in comparison to his tenure in Minnesota.
He has also significantly improved his shooting. Training alongside Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson undoubtedly helped him strengthen his stroke from the field and beyond the arc.
At 1.09 points per shot, Andrew Wiggins is having the most efficient season of his career. I was curious how much of his shooting success could be traced back to improved shot quality, so I made a thread about it. pic.twitter.com/3H2L4M4FnJ
— Todd Whitehead (@CrumpledJumper) May 27, 2022
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The Warriors may not re-sign Wiggins to a max contract, but he has certainly raised his worth as a player. And would undoubtedly have some bidders for his talents on the market.
Real GM envisions a salary cap of $127 million in 2023-24. Wiggins would be eligible for a five-year, $223 million extension with the Dubs if these projections are correct. He might not make as much with another team, but a four-year deal for roughly $172 million is feasible.
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Jordan Poole and Andrew Wiggins have been necessary factors in the Warriors’ stellar season. The squad will be focused on the NBA Finals for the time being, but will have critical decisions to make in the near future.