What a day for the Warriors front office.
Just hours after Jordan Poole’s four-year, $140 million contract extension was reported, ESPN reported that Andrew Wiggins has also secured a four-year, $109 million contract extension Saturday afternoon. The Warriors confirmed it Saturday afternoon.
Both players got their bags, as they said they would following the Game 6 clincher in the NBA Finals in Boston.
The Warriors appear to have signed Wiggins at a discounted rate, as the 27-year-old likely would have commanded more on the open market as a free agent in 2023. According to Spotrac, the final season of Wiggins' deal comes in the form of a $30.2 million player option.
“Andrew has been a terrific fit for our team since his arrival in the Bay Area almost three years ago,” Bob Myers said in a statement. “His first-ever championship last season earned him the admiration of many around the league and solidified his stature as an impactful two-way player in the NBA. We’re excited that he’ll be a part of our team for the next several years.”
Many in the basketball world didn’t understand why the Warriors acquired Wiggins from the Minnesota Timberwolves in a 2020 trade, but it proved to be fruitful for the franchise. The Warriors also secured the 2021 No. 7 pick in the deal centered around D'Angelo Russell, which ended up being Jonathan Kuminga. Wiggins has shaken off any concerns about lack of focus and become a trusted, reliable player. In the Finals, Wiggins averaged 18.3 points and 8.8 rebounds per game.
The Warriors are headed toward a salary cap crunch in 2023, especially if Draymond Green exercises his $27.6 million player option for 2023-24. But Golden State has locked up Poole and Wiggins through the 2026-27 season, as they will be cornerstones of the franchise as Steph Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond enter the twilight of their careers.
Wiggins and Poole will likely be made available to the media during the team's press conference early Sunday afternoon.
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