Andrew Wiggins cemented himself as an indispensable member of the Golden State Warriors en route to their fourth title in eight seasons.
Not only did he hound the likes of Luka Doncic and Jayson Tatum as a one-on-one stopper and consistently take advantage of space created by Steph Curry and Klay Thompson on the other end. Wiggins also emerged as a game-changing rebounder and reliable, disruptive help defender, committing himself to doing all the little things that were notably absent during his disappointing tenure with the Minnesota Timberwolves—and even came all too fleeting before his first playoff run in Golden State.
The question now isn't whether Wiggins is a surefire part of the Warriors' core going forward, but the price it will take to keep him around long-term. Speaking with reporters on Saturday, though, the first-time champion was far more interested in professing why he wants to remain in the Bay than engaging in media gamesmanship as contract negotiations loom later this summer.
"I would love to stay here."
Andrew Wiggins on a possible extension with the Warriors 👀 pic.twitter.com/ggRi8y607g
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) June 18, 2022
Wiggins is under contract through next season, but eligible for a contract extension that could add as much as four years to his current deal.
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported before Game 6 that Wiggins and the Warriors both hoped to reach terms on a new contract this summer. After finishing with 18 points, six rebounds, five assists, four steals and three blocks while suffocating Tatum in Golden State's title-clinching victory, Wiggins and Jordan Poole cheered to their anticipated contract extensions in the championship locker room.
Jordan Poole: "Where we going?"
Andrew Wiggins: "I'm going toooooo… Maf*ckin Spain."
JP: "What? What, yes! Yes, we can do that! You a world champion… And you bout to get a BAG!"
AW: "YOU about to get a bag!"
This moment 🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/AvP7OubiO3
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) June 17, 2022
Wiggins isn't the franchise player he was initially earmarked as in grade school. His selection to the All-Star Game as a starter this season was more a reflection of the Warriors' global popularity and internet power of K-pop fans than Wiggins' actual play on the court, improved as it was. It's easy to forget now that he shot 33.7% from three and 56.3% at the free throw line after the All-Star break, his longtime penchant for passivity more frequently resurfacing.
None of that matters now.
Wiggins proved himself as one of the best non-star players in basketball during the playoffs, and more importantly, a perfect fit for the unique ways the Warriors play around Curry and Draymond Green on each side of the floor. It was clear he wasn't going anywhere before Game 6.
In the afterglow of a title they couldn't have won without him, all signs point to Wiggins soon signing a multi-year extension with the Warriors.
Follow Us
Subscribe