Andrew Wiggins got his wish to stay with the Warriors past the trade deadline, so now he has to prove the team made the correct choice, writes Marcus Thompson II of The Athletic. Golden State delayed its toughest roster decisions until the summer, Thompson notes, and one of them will surely involve Wiggins, who was spectacular during the run to the 2022 title, but has played a significant role in the team’s failure to meet expectations this season.
The Warriors were barely active at the deadline, with their only move being a trade of Cory Joseph and cash to Indiana for a second-round pick. Thompson points out that they didn’t acquire another wing, a rim protector or a reliable scorer to take some of the burden off Stephen Curry, which means Wiggins will be counted on to contribute in all those areas.
Wiggins was the subject of trade chatter heading into the deadline, and he understood there was a significant possibility that he might be moved. After a disastrous start to the season, he gave the front office a reason to hold onto him with improved play of late, Thompson adds, noting that Wiggins is back in the starting lineup and the unit that coach Steve Kerr uses to close out games.
“At one point,” Wiggins said, “I told myself, ‘It can’t get no worse than this. Keep swinging and you’re gonna get out of it. Sometimes in the NBA, in basketball itself, it can be a roller coaster. Roller coaster of emotions, doubt, uncertainty. But it can also be great things, success. It’s a roller coaster. I’m glad I’m feeling better. On the court, I’m in a greater rhythm.”
There’s more on the Warriors:
- Two-way player Lester Quinones looks like a strong candidate to have his contract converted and fill the roster opening left by Joseph, according to Andrew Slater of The Athletic. Quinones played regular minutes during the team’s five-game road trip, and Kerr cited the energy and ball pressure he brings to the defense.
- The Warriors reportedly refused to part with Jonathan Kuminga in trade talks with the Bulls regarding Alex Caruso, and Slater asked general manager Mike Dunleavy if Kuminga is considered untouchable. “Virtually,” Dunleavy said. “I mean, as untouchable as guys can be in this league. He’s certainly at that level. I didn’t see a scenario where Jonathan wouldn’t be on our team after this deadline.”
- Dunleavy also didn’t rule out the possibility of eventually trading Klay Thompson or Draymond Green despite their role in winning four NBA titles, Slater states in the same piece. “You know, for me personally in this situation, I’m always going to do what’s best for the organization moving forward,” Dunleavy said. “Based on that, that’s how we’re going to operate — whether it’s this deadline, this summer, in the future.”
- Chris Paul‘s $30MM non-guaranteed contract for next season will give the front office plenty of flexibility this summer, Slater adds. The Warriors can either let Paul go, try to re-sign him at a lower price or work out a trade in which they would guarantee the amount of salary they’re taking back.
- Gary Payton II, who has been sidelined since January 2 with a strained left hamstring, will return on Saturday, tweets Kendra Andrews of ESPN. Kerr told reporters that Payton won’t be on a set minutes restriction.
Silicon Valley exceptionalism; Light Years !
Jealous hater who never indicates his favorite team out of embarrassment for how horrible they are I’m sure.
I can assure there is no jealousy.
How many teams would full swap roster with the Warriors? Not many when you consider age and the tax bill….
The Warriors just demolished your Pacers.
Pacers just crushed the Knick’s on the road…
Long way to go.
Besides I like the Dubs, though the Lacob arrogance is a bit much for anyone not a diehard.
And all I did above was quote Lacob…
I don’t understand your issue? It is kinda bizarre. They are getting contributions from a lot of young players. Every team has tax payer issues. It comes from being successful. Why are you hung up on something he said years ago? It seems weird to keep thinking about something that doesn’t really matter.
A depleted team with two first time players. Yeah it’s over for us.
Wiggins and Kuminga are similar players.
Warriors will have to move Wiggins next yr. It looks like Kuminga is ready to step up.
“Dirty Dre” ……. has no empathy
No one in the history of the NBA. Has gotten away with more BS than Green.
Dre – 30 mins, 15 pts, 9 ast, 7 reb,
Nurkic – 27 mins, 6 pts, 6 reb, 4 ast
Anthony Slater @anthonyVslater
Steph Curry called the Jusuf Nurkic postgame comments on Draymond Green “idiotic”
“Draymond was in his head. Plain and simple.” pic.twitter.com/O6tV6EOFBa – 12:52 AM
Curry should have never gotten that shot off. Or gotten ball better.
nice shot. Good win.
I have to agree with Curry on Green. Just look at stats.
Huh? Weird statement. According to Kuminga, his improved play has come from conversations he has had with Draymond. The team has rediscovered how to play defense. Wiggins is playing like the Wiggins of old. It has to do with Draymond.
Dray knows ball. Glad you know that.
Cause that’s all that matters.
If Draymond has no empathy, how is he able to help the younger players? Kind of a contradiction there.