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The Ringer wants an Andrew Wiggins trade

By Trey Flynn

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - APRIL 21: Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Minnesota Timberwolves talks to the media following Game Three of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs against the Houston Rockets on April 21, 2018 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - APRIL 21: Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Minnesota Timberwolves talks to the media following Game Three of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs against the Houston Rockets on April 21, 2018 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Is there really a trade out there for Andrew Wiggins? and if so, should the Timberwolves give up on him so quickly?

Andrew Wiggins of the Minnesota Timberwolves had a confusing 2017-18 regular season. Relative to his potential, Wiggins’ statistics were average, his emotions seemed non-existent, and the leadership factor was missing. These are the qualities that have led to trade talks from some major NBA news outlets, such as, The Ringer.

The Ringer and one of their more popular writers, Kevin O’Connor, wrote a piece on how the Raptors should look at their future, one idea being to trade Kyle Lowry.

"Via, The Ringer“The obvious trade target would be Andrew Wiggins, who has failed to live up to expectations in Minnesota but has still shown flashes. Maybe things would click for him back home in Canada. If the Wolves already have buyer’s remorse, then maybe there’s a mega-deal to be done centering around Wiggins and Jeff Teague going to Toronto for Lowry, Miles, and Pascal Siakam. The Wolves would get rid of Wiggins’s deal and give themselves immense cap flexibility when Butler is a free agent in 2019.”"

While this trade looks promising on the stat sheet because it fills the holes of the Timberwolves lineup with an All-Star point guard, consistent scorer off the bench, and a big man to sub in for Towns, it’s too good to be true. Kyle Lowry showed signs in the playoffs of old age, and not being able to keep up with the Wizards or Cavaliers on the defensive end. Miles and Siakam are good fillers, but neither have the potential of Andrew Wiggins (He’s 23 years old, there is still a lot of potential).

Minnesota fans would like to get rid of Wiggins’ max contract, but then they have to pay Kyle Lowry $33 million each of the next two seasons, which would definitely be worse than gambling on Wiggins not turning out to be a good player.

Next: This Is America

At the end of the day, unless Minnesota can somehow grab an All-Star like Kawhi Leonard for Wiggins, or a top 7 draft pick, there isn’t a trade to be made. Especially when you’re trying to entice Jimmy Butler to stay. Expect another run in the 2018-19 season with the same Wolves’ squad.