Andrew Wiggins has had a very disappointing start to the 2023-24 NBA season, with his lack of production being one of the reasons the Warriors are 8-9. The Warriors front office isn’t pleased with Wiggins’ conditioning heading into the season, with some people ‘annoyed’ within the organization.
“Sources told ESPN that after missing two months last season over a still undisclosed personal matter, he didn’t take the time necessary during the summer to get back into shape ahead of this season. His lack of physical conditioning annoyed some within the organization, a team source added.”
Some members within Golden State’s organization have been ‘annoyed’ with Andrew Wiggins lack of physical conditioning, per @kendra__andrews
“Sources told ESPN that after missing two months last season over a still undisclosed personal matter, he didn't take the time necessary… pic.twitter.com/G6SCjasIGy
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) November 28, 2023
Wiggins’ absence for personal reasons last season was controversial, especially after rumors of the reason behind it spread like wildfire. He hasn’t looked great since his return in the 2023 Playoffs, averaging 16.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in the Warriors’ second-round exit.
He’s started the season by averaging 11.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.1 assists, which is extremely disappointing given the role the Warriors expect him to play. He’s their primary wing-stopper and is expected to be a better rebounder as well. His three-point shooting has been non-existent this season, shooting 25.5% on 3.2 attempts per game. Without Wiggins contributing at a somewhat high level, the Warriors cannot operate as contenders.
Could A Trade Be In The Works?
We’re in the first season of Mike Dunleavy Jr. as the GM of the franchise, so we may see an entirely new operating style in place from Bob Myers’ replacement. The Warriors rarely made big trades in their championship dynasty and try to maintain consistency in their roster. Their winter trade for Gary Payton II last season was one of the few winter trades the franchise had made since acquiring Wiggins and the pick that became Jonathan Kuminga for D’Angelo Russell.
With a roster that’s not looking like a contender and minimal moving pieces due to the status of Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, Wiggins may be one of the only actual trade pieces for Golden State. They just acquired Chris Paul and a deal with Klay Thompson could kill the morale of the franchise, despite his clear on-court struggles this season.
The Warriors could move Wiggins but wouldn’t necessarily get anything they want on the market. Unless they make a move for someone like Lauri Markkanen, there isn’t an upgrade on the market. Even Markkanen is a risk due to his inconsistent defense compared to Wiggins, but his offensive output would nearly double that of Andrew and give Curry a genuine second-scoring option.
OG Anunoby may be out of the Warriors’ price range, but sending the Canadian Wiggins back to the Raptors and getting Anunoby would be a game-changer. They have similar levels of offensive production this season, but Anunoby is a DPOY-level forward who would change the complexion of the franchise.
Dunleavy Jr. is yet to set his imprint on the squad. He’s already made one big move when he dumped Jordan Poole for Chris Paul, but if Wiggins’ struggles continue, he may be forced to make one more big move and possibly dump the 3-and-D forward for someone else.
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