NBA Rumors: Timberwolves Set Records Straight On Former Top Pick Status

The curious case of Andrew Wiggins of the Minnesota Timberwolves continues with rumors of a potential trade happening at some point. Probably aware that moving the former top pick will not be easy, the T-Wolves have cleared the air. They claim that they have not come to close to potentially dealing the 24-year-old and that the only way they are trading him is for a player of similar or better value.

This is the latest development on Wiggins as reported by The Athletic citing league sources. With his name frequently the rumor mill, the camp of the 2015 NBA Rookie of the Year expressed dissatisfaction in what could become a distraction for the coming season.

One trade rumor tied up to Wiggins is that the T-Wolves were allegedly planning to move him to clear salary space. The target was D'Angelo Russell, someone who has risen to the occasion after officially becoming an NBA All-Star last season with the Brooklyn Nets.

With the coming of Kyrie Irving, Russell was dispensable. He ended up moving to the Golden State Warriors. But according to the T-Wolves, there was never a deal in place that involved trading Wiggins. Regardless, the Canadian never reacted to those talks and managed to hold his own from growing criticism and rumors being spread.

Heading into the 2019-20 NBA season, trade rumors involving Wiggins are not expected to die down. The best he can do right now is prove critics wrong by unleashing a great performance. Holding a $122-million contract, Wiggins will have to show he deserves every penny of that deal to hopefully put a stop the never-ending criticism.

Ironically, Wiggins could use all that as motivation as well. In a previous post, it was mentioned how T-Wolves president Gersson Rosas wanted to see more out of the 6-foot-8 cager. He wants to see Wiggins become a main contributor and help out another young rising star in Karl-Anthony Towns.

The secret to all that could be on head coach Ryan Saunders. After hitting it well with Towns, his new prerogative is to find a way to bring out the best in Wiggins. Hence, all eyes will be on the five-year swingman who also needs consistency to prove he is a legit star and leader. All that should be in focus once the 2019-20 NBA season unravels.