After what they would consider to be a respectable season and nearly making the playoffs, the Cleveland Cavaliers have some pretty big plans. The folks in the front office aren’t sitting idly by.
According to Chris Fedor, the Cavs are considering a move for Golden State Warriors guard Andrew Wiggins. Wiggins just helped the Warriors reach the NBA Finals and is one series win away from becoming a champion. As to whether the Dubs would be willing to deal him away is something else entirely. He has been a big part of the team’s return to what could be the glory of yesteryear.
The 27-year-old revived his career with the Warriors after several subpar campaigns with the Minnesota Timberwolves, fitting into his role perfectly. He averages 17.2 points 4.5 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game shooting 46 percent from the field.
“And this is one that I’m watching. I think it’s less likely than it was when the postseason started, but it’s one that I’ve heard kicked around inside the walls of Cleveland. It’s Andrew Wiggins of the Warriors,” Fedor said on the HoopsHype podcast.
What Did Draymond Green Say About Wiggins?
Draymond Green, known for being a harsh critic, had some very positive things to say about Wiggins in a recent discussion with reporters.
That’s a guy who has been criticized for being lackadaisical, the beat goes on. We’ve heard it all. Yet on the biggest stage he’s come through. I’ve always said no one talks about teams that guys are on or organizations that guys are in.
He further adds:
No one ever talks about it, it’s always the player’s fault. He’s showing that I’m not far off when I say that.”
It’s understood that the Warriors could be convinced to part ways with the player should the right offer come around. They are on the books for a lot of money and Wiggins only has a year left on his deal.
A Great Fit Alongside Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen, and Collin Sexton
Cleveland getting him on their own books would be pretty big for the organization. He could be a great fit alongside Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen, and Collin Sexton. His addition would undoubtedly boost the Cavs’ chances of making it to the playoffs next year and the bookies’ odds would be likely to reflect such. Oddsmakers such as Caesars Ohio will also be sure to have attractive numbers on offer as it pertains to Cleveland’s postseason prospects.
For now, though, the team should be focused on extending Sexton. That is certainly the plan ahead of next season but the player will be a restricted free agent this summer. It has been reported that the parties don’t agree on finances just yet, with Sexton set to demand “starting guard money.”
That is according to NBA insider Michael Scott.
“The Cavaliers want to retain Collin Sexton,” Scott said on the HoopsHype podcast. “He’s going to demand starting guard money, I’m told.
“There are some teams who will be in the market for a point guard this summer, including the New York Knicks and Washington Wizards, who would have to acquire Sexton in a sign-and-trade if they want to get him. Last season, no restricted free agent signed an offer sheet, and players such as Cavaliers forward Lauri Markkanen switched teams via sign-and-trade.”
The 23-year-old led the Cavaliers in scoring the last two seasons, averaging 24.1 points per game in 2020/21 and 16.0 points per game last term, when he would suffer a torn meniscus that ended his campaign after just 11 games.
If he is extended, things will be different for the guard, with Garland and Allen the big dogs on the team after earning All-Star nominations. Rookie Evan Mobley will also command more attention going into his second season as a pro.
There’s also the matter of Caris LeVert. Cleveland brought LeVert in at the trade deadline this year and, given that he and Sexton play in the same position, there will be questions over who’s starting. Both of these players have embraced reduced roles in the past. Sexton had no issue with the Cavs asking him to take fewer shots in order to help the team while LeVert went from being a key player to coming off the bench and then playing a bit-part role during his stint with the Indiana Pacers.
Whether the Cavs are willing to pay Sexton remains to be seen. They have a great option in LeVert and will also be looking to extend Garland when he becomes eligible in 2023.
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