Reflecting on a Former First-Overall Pick’s Trade from the Bay to Miami
This past February, the Warriors had to shuffle around something if they wanted a real chance at contention. The team didn’t perform poorly, but they were not necessarily a threat either. They were just decent. All that changed when the team acquired Jimmy Butler in a mid-season trade with the Miami Heat. Arguably, the biggest piece that exited Golden State was forward Andrew Wiggins, who had a sensational year in 2022 and turned into a major force during the team’s championship run.
Set to remain in Miami for the next two seasons until he becomes a free agent in 2027, Wiggins still has a bright future ahead. Though he didn’t quite return to scoring around 24 points per game, his career high with the Timberwolves in 2016, Wiggins’s average saw a bump up to 19 PPG this year. His usage slightly improved when he left Golden State to join Miami, and might increase even further as he becomes more familiar with coach Eric Spoelstra’s system. In fact, I expect nothing less from a player who has proven he’s able to take on more responsibilities.
Wiggins gives the Heat a versatile wing that seemingly every team needs in today’s NBA. Capable on both sides of the ball, Wiggins provides a different spark than Miami’s other two all-stars. Tyler Herro is exceptional off the dribble and can punish teams with his shooting from the mid-range and beyond the arc. Bam Adebayo is a force inside, as well as an exceptional rebounder. Wiggins, as he did for Golden State, thrives at finishing around the rim, but can also offer some shooting relief when he’s on top of his game.
The only issue with Wiggins is his age. Having just turned 30, and as a player who relies on his physical talent more than other parts of his game, he might not have too many great years ahead of him. This is important to consider for Miami, which may look to trade him while he still has value, if he doesn’t click stylistically with the team. The Warriors may even consider bringing Wiggins back in a potential trade, as they still look to shop around Jonathan Kuminga. It boils down to whether Miami considers itself in “win-now” mode or is looking for a longer-term rebuild around Herro.
On the Warriors' side, there’s not much to discuss. Butler single-handedly turned Golden State’s season around, taking them from an average team to a playoff contender. Any price not named Stephen Curry or Draymond Green, and assuming that the team would still retain some depth, would have been worth it. As for Wiggins, I do see value for him in Miami, and his short-term future should be nowhere else but the Sunshine State.
