Andrew Wiggins told Bill Self he wanted to be traded
Since LeBron James announced he would be returning to the Cleveland Cavaliers, speculation began about him being joined by Kevin Love.
Love has, of course, made it known his intentions to opt out of final year of his contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves and become a free agent after the 2014-2015 season. With this in mind, it makes sense for Minnesota to trade their All-Star and get something in return before he departs. The Cavaliers are able to dangle last year’s No. 1 overall pick (Anthony Bennett), this year’s top pick (Andrew Wiggins), and a first round pick, increasing their status as a likely trade partner.
Wiggins is the key component for the Timberwolves, as he should be, and while some may not be thrilled with the idea of being traded, the 19-year-old seems to think it may be the best thing for him. When speaking with former coach Bill Self, Wiggins indicated he was hoping to be traded.
“When all this trade stuff started, I talked to Andrew and Andrew told me, “I hope I get traded,” Self said via Sporting News. “And I’m like, ‘No you don’t.’ And he said, “Coach, I do. It’s better for me, knowing my personality and what I need to do, to go somewhere where I’m forced to be something as opposed to going in there where they’re going to be patient with me and I’m going to be a piece.”
Credit to Wiggins for embracing the opportunity to be more of a focal point and realizing it will be beneficial for his development. During his long season at Kansas, some questioned Wiggins’ ability to take over games due to his laid back personality. With the Timberwolves, he will surely have a larger role, giving him ample opportunities to shed that label.
