Andrew Wiggins watches the news. He reads the headlines. He is well-aware that his name continues to be the referred to as the x-factor for the Cleveland Cavaliers' pursuit of a trade for Kevin Love. The Minnesota Timberwolves appear to only be pleased with deals involving the No. 1 draft pick of 2014 and Wiggins understands that he could be sent packing sooner rather than later. The rookie is not thrilled over the idea.
Wiggins expressed his excitement during NBA's summer league at the prospect of getting to play with LeBron James after the Cavaliers signed him in free agency. However that might not happen as Cleveland inches closer to finalizing deal for Love that would likely send Wiggins to the Timberwolves. This is not the deal the Cavaliers originally wanted to make, but when it became clear that they realistically could land the forward the rookie became expendable. Wiggins says he simply wants to play for a team that wants him.
"I just want to play for a team that wants me. So whichever team wants me I'll play for," Wiggins said, via ESPN.com. "At the end of the day you have to remember that the NBA is a business before anything. I'm a rookie. I really don't have too much say."
Wiggins is right that he is a rookie and really has no say in the matter. The Cavaliers know they have James for two years right now before he can become a free agent yet again. The pressure is on to build a championship roster. Wiggins has yet to prove anything in the league. While most scouts believe his ceiling is extremely high in the NBA, if the Cavaliers can get a sure-fire talent in Love they will take it.
If Cleveland is capable of pulling out a deal for Love, the question becomes retaining him in the future. Love has no intentions of signing a deal that will hurt his free agency status come 2015. He wants to test the market regardless which is why he is involved in this trade mess to begin with. According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, the Cavaliers will offer Love a max contract next offseason, but there is that risk that he does not sign it. That would mean the Cavaliers lose the No. 1 draft pick and Love in the span of a season.
James is hopeful the right offseason moves are made. The forward appears to favor retaining Dion Waiters who has been involved in trade talks. Wiggins is available for dealing Aug. 23 after signing his rookie contract. He will not even address the idea of playing with James now, noting he has not spoken to the forward yet.
"No. I'm sure he's busy," Wiggins said. "I feel like I'm busy, so I am sure he's busy."