Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins, who has been a consistent subject of trade rumors, is out of the Canadian Olympic picture because of his NBA team’s desire to move him.
Doug Smith of the Toronto Star first reported the news.
Anthony Slater of The Athletic later added that Wiggins not playing for Canada was a “mutual decision” between himself and the Warriors. Slater also noted that it was a medical decision that did not prevent the team from possibly trading him.
The Ringer’s Logan Murdock reported the following on Wednesday: “League sources believe Andrew Wiggins, who struggled to find a consistent role last season, will be aggressively dangled in trade talks.”
John Hollinger of The Athletic gave his read on the situation.
Wiggins was previously announced as one of 20 players selected to participate in the team’s training camp in Toronto in advance of the Olympics, which will occur in Paris beginning July 24. The training camp runs from Friday, June 28 to Sunday, July 7. Wiggins looked to be a lock for the team and a starter as well.
It’s undoubtedly a disappointing loss for Canada, which can earn his first-ever Olympic medal in basketball at these Games. Canada is coming off a bronze medal at the 2023 FIBA World Cup after defeating the United States for third place.
In theory, Wiggins could get dealt soon enough to participate in the Games. However, he also may be very hard to move.
Wiggins will have three years and $84.7 million left on his contract if he picks up his 2026-27 player option down the road.
But he also hasn’t been as productive as in years past, averaging a career-low 13.2 points per game (and playing a career-low 27.0 minutes per game) last year.
Perhaps the 29-year-old can experience a career rejuvenation next year, but the contract plus tailing production could make a trade tough. And if the Warriors can’t get something done soon, then it looks like Wiggins won’t be headed to Paris.