Andrew Wiggins’ Golden State future looked uncertain leading up to the trade deadline, but all parties seem thrilled that he remains a Warrior.
Wiggins’ name had been in a flurry of rumors ahead of last Thursday’s deadline. He’s had an up-and-down season, and with the Warriors struggling to put things together much of the campaign, it was plausible that Mike Dunleavy Jr. could’ve moved him with an eye toward the future.
Instead, they held onto him – a move that in the short term has looked well worth it. Wiggins has averaged 13.3 points, 3.7 boards and 2.7 assists in the three games since the deadline, and has been a plus-14 while averaging over 27.6 minutes per game.
Golden State won each of those games, and is riding a five-game win streak that has put them above .500, good for 10th in the Western Conference.
Wiggins being a steady option for Steve Kerr should only help as the Warriors seek a more secure place in the postseason picture. The head coach said Tuesday in his weekly appearance on Willard & Dibs that he and Wiggins both are glad the 28-year-old is still a Warrior.
“He definitely wanted to stay,” Kerr said. “I talked to him the night of the trade deadline after the game, and he was very relieved – and I was relieved too. I love Wiggs, and I really wanted him here. I know what he can do, I know what he means to the team, the whole team loves him. He’s just such a great teammate, great human being.
"I’ve seen this (improved play) coming over the last month. He just looks bouncier, he looks more active. And frankly I think we’ve put him in some better positions to attack, as well, just with the new lineup that we’re playing and some of the things we’re doing. So, he’s really doing a great job of getting his season turned around and getting ours turned around, as well.”