Feb 10, 2024; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins (22) reacts after he is called for a foul against the Phoenix Suns during the second half at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports

Golden State Warriors Make Big Andrew Wiggins Decision

Originally posted on Golden State Warriors on SI
By Joey Linn | Last updated Jun 28, 2024 12:11 PM ET

The Golden State Warriors are entering a pivotal moment in their offseason. While free agency is not yet in full swing, trade rumors are starting to heat up as players approach option deadlines.

While the Warriors do not have any player options they are still waiting to hear on, they do have Klay Thompson’s complicated free agency, Chris Paul’s non-guaranteed contract, and a decision to make on the future of Andrew Wiggins.

It was reported on Friday by Doug Smith of the Toronto Star that Andrew Wiggins was no longer in the Olympic picture for Canada. According to Smith, the Warriors are “playing hardball” with Wiggins as they look to trade him.

John Hollinger of The Athletic shared his thoughts on this development, saying it could be due to a medical issue for Wiggins as opposed to the Warriors simply just not allowing him to play:

I'm reading this as the Warriors blocking him due to a medical issue, which they can do if there's a legit health reason (as opposed to "we don't feel like letting you play"). https://t.co/RBbuoFJTmI
— John Hollinger (@johnhollinger) June 28, 2024

Regardless of the official reason, it seems the Warriors have indeed made the big decision to block Wiggins from participating in the Olympics. This has sparked a lot of speculation that he could soon be dealt, which is something The Athletic’s Anthony Slater addressed in an appearance on 95.7 The Game.

"They're not dying to trade him.” Slater said. “They're looking at a lot of options. He is a building block with a salary at $24 million. If they do bring in a wing, Paul George, obviously, is the wing that plays his position. Regardless, I think there's upgrades out there. But from what I've heard, they're not dying to get off his number."

"They're not dying to trade him. They're looking at a lot of options. He is a building block with a salary at $24 million. If they do bring in a wing, Paul George, obviously, is the wing that plays his position. Regardless, I think there's upgrades out there. But from what I've… https://t.co/Fert2kkdKW
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) June 28, 2024