The Golden State Warriors have had a remarkable run. We’re not saying it’s over. We’re simply saying that it isn’t optimistic. Recently, it’s looked as if the Warriors might be falling apart as the NBA trade deadline nears.
They’re struggling to win games. That’s a problem in its own right, but it’s not the only problem. The Warriors are old. They’re expensive. This team is in rough shape. How will the league’s most recent dynasty respond?
In all likelihood, they’ll make a trade. The Warriors will have a lot of options. They could try to make a win-now upgrade. On the other hand, it might be more prudent to take some cost-cutting measures.
Could they start by sending Andrew Wiggins to the Charlotte Hornets?
NBA Trade Proposal: Charlotte Hornets Land Golden State Warriors’ Andrew Wiggins
Golden State Warriors Receive: F Gordon Hayward
Charlotte Hornets Receive: G/F Andrew Wiggins, G/F Gary Payton III
At least the Warriors had their moment. Sometimes, teams fail to even get off of the ground. There are teams around the league who just can’t seem to force their way into the playoff picture.
That’s been the case for the Hornets. Yes, they’ve made the playoffs during LaMelo Ball’s time with the squad. Still, they haven’t had much success. This team is having difficulty taking the next step.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Andrew Wiggins, Charlotte Hornets, Golden State Warriors Updates
Don’t give up on them. Progress isn’t always linear. The Hornets have a lot of young talent. In all likelihood, they just need something to click.
Could acquiring Wiggins help that happen?
Why The Charlotte Hornets Do The Deal
It’s possible. Wiggins’ championship experience could certainly be useful for this young group. He has a unique experience in the league as well. Wiggins was supposed to be a star, and instead, he developed into a key role player on a title-winning team.
Still, this has to make basketball sense as well. After all, the Hornets are giving up an expiring deal for a player on a long-term contract here. We think it works.
The Hornets could start Wiggins at the 3, bump Brandon Miller to the 2, and keep Miles Bridges at the 4. Yes, his contract is burdensome.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Andrew Wiggins, Charlotte Hornets, Golden State Warriors Updates
At the same time, the Hornets have shown a willingness to take on big money before. This small market team can’t always attract talent – this is a means for them to bring a quality player in.
Should the Warriors part with that quality player?
Why The Golden State Warriors Do The Deal
Wiggins is good. He’s also struggling in 2023-24. Meanwhile, the expensive Warriors must be concerned about paying him for the foreseeable future if this is his level of production.
They won’t have to worry about paying Hayward. He’s on an expiring contract. For the Warriors, this is about financial savings as much as anything else.
With that said, they could be interested in Hayward as a player as well. After all, he’s still a contributor. Hayward will bring superior playmaking and comparable floor spacing to Wiggins, even if he’s the lesser defender.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Andrew Wiggins, Charlotte Hornets, Golden State Warriors Updates
If he clicks with this roster, he could even make them a better team. If not, the Warriors’ run might have been coming to an end anyway.
