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5 reasons Andrew Wiggins is more valuable than Jimmy Butler

By Tom West

Feb 20, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Andrew Wiggins (22) against the New York Knicks at Target Center. The Knicks defeated the Timberwolves 103-95. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 20, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Andrew Wiggins (22) against the New York Knicks at Target Center. The Knicks defeated the Timberwolves 103-95. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 20, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners guard Buddy Hield (24) celebrates defeating the Virginia Commonwealth Rams 85-81 during the second round of the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 20, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners guard Buddy Hield (24) celebrates defeating the Virginia Commonwealth Rams 85-81 during the second round of the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

Timberwolves aren’t close to win-now mode

The finite reason why the Timberwolves shouldn’t part with Andrew Wiggins to acquire Butler is simple: they aren’t close to win-now mode. Sure, Thibodeau will encourage a winning attitude and he won’t let players rest on their laurels for a second, but stealing the 8th seed in the West still won’t happen next season and there are no title runs in the very near future to accelerate with a new All-Star.

Instead, the Timberwolves approach the offseason to make any veteran acquisitions they can to help the young team, and ultimately develop the current group itself. Parting with valuable assets and young talent to acquire a star player like Butler isn’t necessary right now, and with the high cost of losing Wiggins and possibly another key player like Zach LaVine, it could be detrimental in the long run.

Furthermore, if the Bulls want to receive Minnesota’s No. 5 overall pick as well (which seems likely judging by ESPN’s report), Thibs’ loses the chance to add another prospect with high-upside to his squad. Whether it’s a prolific college shooter like Buddy Hield to help the Timberwolves’ 29th ranking in made threes per game (5.5) or a new point guard and elite defender like Kris Dunn to cover the possible departure of Ricky Rubio, a lot can be done with that No. 5 pick.

To make the most of what another high draft selection and their plethora of young talent will have to offer in a few year’s time, the Timberwolves simply need to keep everything together.

That absolutely includes holding onto Andrew Wiggins.

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