Ok, here’s where we get real crazy. Many might see the word “Wiggins” and immediately scoff, and for good reason. Andrew Wiggins has been a massive disappointment in the league to date. However, if the Portland Trail Blazers wish to keep their beloved young assets like Zach Collins and Anfernee Simons in a trade for Anthony Davis, it’s going to take a bold move – so hear me out.
Although this trade doesn’t include a “potential All-Star”, the No. 11 overall pick in this year’s draft could come close to filling that criteria. Considering the Pelicans had interest in Zach Collins (who was the No. 10 pick in 2017), they shouldn’t be too fussed about dropping back one spot to take a player in this year’s draft with an invaluable extra two years of cheap team control. The pick could be used to net a hyper-athletic and versatile contributor like Brandon Clarke.
As discussed earlier, the Pelicans still get the guy they are most interested in with CJ McCollum, while also snatching up plenty of draft capital. This move would give them picks No. 1, 11, 25, 39 and 57, essentially granting New Orleans control over the draft. These picks can either be dealt for players ready to contribute now, or to form a formidable core ready to challenge the league in just a few short years, akin to the Boston Celtics strategy (before their internal implosion).
Meanwhile, the Timberwolves jump on the opportunity to escape from the soul crushing max extension to Wiggins, hampering the team’s ability to do much of anything until the summer of 2023. Minnesota will gladly sacrifice some draft capital and accept Portland’s expiring contracts to open up enough cap room to form an actual NBA roster around Karl-Anthony Towns and Robert Covington.
Now for the explanation you’ve been waiting for, “how can someone possibly justify trading for the worst contract in the league?” The answer is simple, because the Portland Trail Blazers are one of the few teams in the league that can afford such a gamble. As covered earlier this week here at Rip City Project, the Blazers do not have the finances to pursue any true blockbuster free agency signings for the next several years – certainly none near Anthony Davis’ level of talent.
Nobody is denying Andrew Wiggins natural talent. He has all the skills to be a fantastic player in the league. However, his lackluster work ethic and drive have limited his ability in the NBA. Therefore, the Blazers should take a calculated risk here.
Lillard, Davis and Nurkic are a far better supporting cast than Wiggins has ever come close to having. Lillard is one of the best leaders and teammates in the league and will do everything he can to get the most out of Wiggins. Playing with some of the NBA’s best on a team with actual championship aspirations may awaken the beast that’s been lying beneath his lackadaisical exterior all this time.
Even if it doesn’t and Wiggins continues to be lazy, that’s ok. Not ideal, but Portland will cope. Wiggins gets buckets, and there’s a void to be filled after sending away McCollum. Considering the Blazers intend to offer Lillard the supermax (which will run through 2025), the Blazers were always going to be hampered financially anyways. Wiggins’ albatross is of no consequence to Portland. A core of Lillard, Rodney Hood, Wiggins, Davis and Nurkic with Portland’s young assets still in tow would be legitimate contenders next year, and for years to come.