The Minnesota Timberwolves and small forward Andrew Wiggins are working on a new deal. His rookie contract expires at the end of the 2018 season. Wiggins wants the max level deal which would pay him $150 million over 5 years. According to ESPN, Timberwolves Owner Glen Taylor said, “To me, by making this offer, I’m speculating that his contribution to the team will be more in the future,” Taylor told The Associated Press. “We’ve got to be better. He can’t be paid just for what he’s doing today. He’s got to be better.” Taylor wants to meet face to face with Wiggins during the negotiations before an agreement is reached.
Wiggins has been one of the best young players in the league. Since he entered the league in 2014, his stats have improved each year. Last season Wiggins averaged a career high in points per game with 23.6 points. In his short time in Minnesota he averages 20.4 points per game. The area he needs to work on is defense. Wiggins is not a great defender but still averages 1 steal per game.
The Timberwolves know how valuable Wiggins is to the team. His play has improved each year. The problem with giving him a max contract is they are overpaying for a player who hasn’t even led this team to the playoffs. Minnesota is going on what Wiggins could do for the team in the next few years. The Timberwolves are better off waiting. He could have a poor season and might even have an injury. Would they still want to give him the max deal? They have him this season and can wait to give him a new contract at the end of next season.
Minnesota still has plenty of time to decide. Taylor knows he doesn’t want to let him go but at the same time Wiggins hasn’t proved himself in the NBA. The better option is to extend his contract for one or two years. If Wiggins’ play improves and he leads them to the playoffs, then give him the max deal. It seems right now is not the time to give him the max.
What do you think of Minnesota talking about giving Andrew Wiggins a max contract?
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