Warriors’ Steve Kerr Doesn’t Expect Andrew Wiggins to Be Traded Despite NBA Rumors
zach bacharContributor IFebruary 1, 2024
Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images
Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr told reporters on Thursday that he “expects” forward Andrew Wiggins to remain with the team after the Feb. 8 trade deadline, according to Monte Poole of NBC Sports Bay Area.
Poole reported on Jan. 7 that “Golden State will be active approaching the deadline” with Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green all expected to remain with the organization. This has led to Wiggins’ name cropping up in rumors amid his individual struggles during the 2023-24 season, averaging a career-low 12.5 points per game.
In addition to his low scoring average, the former No. 1 overall pick’s efficiency has dropped. Wiggins currently owns a 52.1 true shooting percentage, his worst mark since the 2018-19 season when he was a member of the Minnesota Timberwolves.
His defensive acumen hasn’t been enough to make up for his offensive shortcomings, as his -6.8 net rating is the worst among Warriors players who have appeared in at least 10 games this year (via NBA.com).
In a Jan. 29 appearance on FanDuel TV’s Run It Back, Shams Charania of The Athletic listed Wiggins as a potential player that Golden State’s front office could field offers for.
Run It Back @RunItBackFDTVWhat moves can the Golden State Warriors make before the trade deadline? đ§ pic.twitter.com/3NpCoLD94a
“They’re gonna take calls on Andrew Wiggins, Chris Paul,” Charania said. “Could they get interest even on a guy like Klay Thompson? I think those are very much open conversations for the Warriors. They have to be open-minded.”
Golden State will likely be considering a variety of options ahead of the deadline, as the team currently owns the No. 12 seed in the Western Conference with a record of 20-24. It’s worth wondering if the front office will continue to build around the three core players that have brought the organization four championships.
Curry is 35 years old, with both Thompson and Green turning 34 before the end of the regular season. While the 2022 NBA Finals MVP is still giving the Warriors star production, it may be time to shake up his supporting cast in order to attempt another shot at a ring. Moving Wiggins could be the first step towards pivoting in that direction, even though Kerr doesn’t see it happening.
