The Golden State Warriors, long defined by the chemistry and continuity of their core, may be on the verge of shaking up their foundation in a bold and calculated move. According to recent NBA trade rumors, the franchise is predicted to part ways with power forward Andrew Wiggins—currently earning \$24,855,347 per season—in a potential blockbuster three-team deal that could alter the trajectory of the team’s immediate and long-term future.
Wiggins, once hailed as a franchise savior in Minnesota and now a key piece in Golden State’s championship puzzle, finds himself at the center of trade talks amid growing speculation that the Warriors are looking to retool their roster around their remaining title window. After a disappointing 2024-25 campaign in which the Warriors failed to advance deep into the playoffs, and with mounting financial pressure from the league’s punitive new collective bargaining agreement, the front office appears poised to make difficult decisions. Moving Wiggins, despite his valuable two-way impact and established chemistry with the team’s stars, has emerged as a serious possibility.
League insiders report that the Warriors are exploring a multi-team deal that could see Wiggins land with a rebuilding team seeking a high-upside veteran, while Golden State would receive a combination of draft capital and younger, cost-controlled assets. A third team is expected to absorb salary or facilitate the movement of an additional player to make the deal viable under the league’s complex salary cap rules. Though the names of the other franchises involved have not been confirmed, several sources point to the Indiana Pacers, Orlando Magic, and even the Brooklyn Nets as possible partners—each with the cap space, young talent, and motivation to participate in such a transaction.
The rationale behind moving Wiggins, beyond financial flexibility, stems from the Warriors’ internal evaluation of their future. At 29, Wiggins still has productive years ahead, but his fit within the Warriors’ evolving timeline is increasingly scrutinized. With Stephen Curry entering the twilight of his career, Klay Thompson’s future uncertain following an underwhelming season and a contract impasse, and Draymond Green already signed long term, the front office under Mike Dunleavy Jr. is facing pressure to revamp on the fly. Wiggins’ trade value remains high enough to fetch significant returns, but perhaps not for long.
Wiggins’ production has dipped slightly since his breakout during the Warriors’ 2022 championship run, where his defense on stars like Jayson Tatum earned him widespread acclaim. This past season, he averaged 13.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game on 45.3% shooting from the field. While still a strong on-ball defender and versatile wing, his offensive efficiency and assertiveness have waned, raising concerns about his long-term value relative to his salary. With Jonathan Kuminga emerging as a younger, more dynamic option at the forward spot, and with Moses Moody and Brandin Podziemski demanding more minutes, Wiggins has slowly become more expendable.
There is also a belief that the Warriors need to maximize their remaining time with Curry by surrounding him with more reliable offensive creators and perimeter shooters. Wiggins, though capable of scoring in isolation and slashing to the rim, has never been known for consistent three-point shooting or elite playmaking. As the league continues to shift toward five-out spacing and high-volume perimeter offenses, Wiggins’ skillset may not be the best long-term complement to Golden State’s changing identity. Add to that the massive luxury tax implications of retaining a roster built around multiple players making north of \$25 million annually, and the motivations become clearer.
Financially, the Warriors are facing second apron constraints under the new CBA, which impose strict penalties on high-spending teams, including the loss of flexibility in trades and signings. Moving Wiggins’ nearly \$25 million salary would significantly ease Golden State’s tax burden, potentially open up a mid-level exception, and allow them to reshape their bench depth or even add a starting-caliber piece who better fits Steve Kerr’s system.
Fans of the Warriors may have mixed feelings about this potential deal. Wiggins has earned considerable goodwill from the fanbase, especially after shedding the “bust” label and becoming a vital cog in the Warriors’ 2022 title run. His defense, effort, and ability to take pressure off Curry and Thompson on both ends of the floor have made him one of the more respected veterans in the locker room. But as is often the case in professional sports, sentiment may take a backseat to strategy.
The success of this rumored trade will hinge on what Golden State receives in return. If the three-team framework yields a promising young player, a lottery pick, or cap flexibility that allows for a free-agent acquisition or future trade, the move could be seen as a necessary step in preserving the Warriors’ relevance. Names like Buddy Hield, Ben Simmons, or even a package built around younger assets like Jalen Suggs or Andrew Nembhard have been floated as part of speculative frameworks. While none of these players offers a perfect replacement for Wiggins, the overall shift in direction could reinvigorate a team caught between eras.
For Wiggins, a change of scenery might not be the worst outcome. While he has clearly found comfort in the Warriors’ culture and has grown as a player under Kerr’s coaching, a new role on a team that prioritizes him more offensively could reignite his career. In a less structured offensive system, perhaps with more touches and usage, he could return to the 20+ point-per-game scorer he once was in Minnesota. He has always had the tools—length, athleticism, and fluid scoring mechanics—and at just 29, he still has time to remind the league of the potential that once made him the No. 1 overall pick.
This rumored deal would also underscore the Warriors’ willingness to adapt. They are not merely clinging to the remnants of their dynasty, but actively seeking to extend their competitive window. Whether that means transitioning toward a more youthful core built around Kuminga, Moody, and Podziemski, or continuing to retool around Curry’s brilliance, it’s clear the front office is prepared to evolve. Trading Wiggins would send a message that Golden State is prioritizing fit, flexibility, and future upside over sentiment or loyalty.
Of course, nothing is official yet. NBA trades are complex and fluid, and talks can stall or shift direction with a single phone call. Still, where there’s smoke, there’s often fire—and the amount of buzz surrounding Wiggins’ name suggests real momentum. If and when this deal happens, it will mark the end of a chapter in Golden State history, and the beginning of what they hope will be the next.
Ultimately, the Warriors’ pursuit of excellence has always been defined by their willingness to make bold moves. Drafting Curry despite injury concerns, trading Monta Ellis to empower a young Klay Thompson, signing Kevin Durant despite public backlash, letting Durant walk to bring in D’Angelo Russell only to flip him for Wiggins—each move, risky in its own way, helped shape one of the NBA’s most successful dynasties. This latest rumored trade, sending Andrew Wiggins away in a three-team blockbuster, may be the next pivotal step in that legacy. Whether it proves to be a masterstroke or a misstep will depend on how well the front office navigates this complex and critical transition.
