Andrew Wiggins got an early lesson in the business of the NBA. The former Kansas Jayhawks was drafted No. 1 overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers with the intentions of being the next franchise star alongside Kyrie Irving. There was a time when Cleveland saw it that way as well until they signed LeBron James and realized they could also get Kevin Love in the process. Wiggins admits he simply just wants to play for a team that wants him.
According to Yahoo! Sports, the Cavaliers have finalized a trade that will send Wiggins and Anthony Bennett to the Minnesota Timberwolves while Love heads to Cleveland to form a Big 3 with James and Irving. The Cavaliers were not keen on trading Wiggins considering his potential to be a star is very high, but the idea of getting Love and competing right away was too good to be true. With James on a short-term deal, Dan Gilbert had to make the call. Wiggins understands it was all out of his control.
"Whatever happens is out of my control," Wiggins said, via ESPN.com. "I'm not worrying about it right now. Going to Kansas University kind of prepares you for moments like this because at Kansas they treat the basketball players like rock stars. Anywhere, any team. I can play anywhere."
Wiggins cannot be officially traded until August 23 per NBA rules since he already signed his rookie contract. He will go from a title-contending team with the league's best player to rebuilding in Minnesota with an uncertain roster. According to Chuck Myron of HoopsRumors.com, the Philadelphia 76ers are involved in the Timberwolves trade, sending forward Thaddeus Young to Minnesota in exchange for Bennett and possibly someone else. Wiggins would join the forward along with point guard Ricky Rubio to help get the Timberwolves out of their playoff drought.
Minnesota intends to compete, but they have some financial things to figure out beforehand. Rubio is ready to get his contract extended as he approaches restricted free agency next summer. He wants a max contract, something that the Timberwolves have yet to commit to. Young will also be needing a new deal. He has two years remaining on his contract with the second being a player option, so he is eligible for the summer as well. The Timberwolves can either clear a lot of cap space next summer or begin handing out pay raises to stars that could help for the future.