Andrew Wiggins, the Golden State Warriors’ forward often embroiled in trade gossip, has now been sidelined, putting an end to Canada’s 2024 Olympic hopes. The unexpected decision is rooted in the Warriors’ strategic maneuvering, eyeing a potential trade for Wiggins.
Andrew Wiggins Out of Canada’s 2024 Olympic Squad
Doug Smith of the Toronto Star broke the shocking news, and it quickly spiraled into a media frenzy.
Anthony Slater of The Athletic later clarified that Wiggins and the Warriors mutually agreed on his absence from Team Canada. According to Slater, it was primarily a medical decision but also left the door open for trade possibilities.
Logan Murdock from The Ringer added fuel to the fire, quoting league insiders who suggested Wiggins, struggling to find his footing last season, will be aggressively shopped around in trade talks.
Veteran NBA analyst John Hollinger of The Athletic weighed in, speculating about Wiggins’ future amid this swirling controversy.
Wiggins was initially among 20 players selected for Team Canada’s training camp in Toronto, ahead of the Paris Olympics starting on July 24. The camp, scheduled from June 28 to July 7, seemed set to secure Wiggins a spot as a starter.
This turn of events is a significant blow for Canada, aiming for its first-ever Olympic medal in basketball. The team’s spirits were high after clinching a bronze at the 2023 FIBA World Cup by defeating the United States for third place.
Theoretically, if Wiggins is traded soon, he might still join the Olympic squad. Yet, moving him isn’t a straightforward task.
Wiggins’ contract includes three years and a hefty $84.7 million if he opts in for the 2026-27 season. His recent performance, averaging a career-low 13.2 points per game and playing just 27.0 minutes per game, further complicates his trade value.
There’s hope that the 29-year-old can bounce back next season, but his steep contract and declining stats cast a shadow over any trade deal. If the Warriors can’t pull off a trade swiftly, Wiggins’ Olympic dreams might be dashed.
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