Are Cavaliers Andrew Wiggins, Anthony Bennett package deal?
Saturday is a big day for the NBA. It is the expected date for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Minnesota Timberwolves and Philadelphia 76ers to perform a three team trade that sends Kevin Love to Lebron James’ Cavaliers. The most recent news is that the friendship between youngsters Andrew Wiggins and Anthony Bennett may influence the trade.
One thing on pending Cavs/76ers/Wolves deal - Andrew Wiggins & Anthony Bennett are close friends - best chance for long-term is keeping both
— Steve Kyler (@stevekylerNBA) August 22, 2014
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It seems that if the Timberwolves want Wiggins, they can’t send Bennett to the 76ers. They need to keep both of the Cavaliers’ former top draft picks. It’s unclear how wary — if at all — the Timberwolves will be of such a thing. They won’t have to resign Wiggins for another four years. Presumably, any bad feelings over separation Bennett would blow over by that point. Regardless, Kyler and Basketball Insiders have been following this situation closely, and the idea that Wiggins and Bennett are something of a package deal could determine the outcome of Saturday’s trade.
While they had similar statuses as first-overall picks, the players appear to have opposite career trajectories. Bennett has struggled a great deal since joining the ranks of the NBA. Wiggins is said to be a Top 5 star today. Those differing expectations may make the “package deal” tougher for a team to swallow.
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