Fansided

Andrew Wiggins believes he’s worth a max contract

By Joe Romano

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - MARCH 08: Andrew Wiggins #22 and Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves celebrate a basket against the Los Angeles Clippers during the fourth quarter of the game on March 8, 2017 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Clippers 107-91. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - MARCH 08: Andrew Wiggins #22 and Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves celebrate a basket against the Los Angeles Clippers during the fourth quarter of the game on March 8, 2017 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Clippers 107-91. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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Andrew Wiggins is in contract talks with the Minnesota Timberwolves about an extension and believes he is worth the max.

Starting wing Andrew Wiggins is eligible for a contract extension this off-season prior to the Oct, 16 deadline. Wiggins is coming off his rookie deal and ready to cash in.

The Crossover’s Ben Golliver spoke with Wiggins about his contract status in Las Vegas at an Adidas event. Read the full interview here.

"While Wiggins said that he is taking a “day by day” approach to the contract discussions, he didn’t waver when asked whether he was worthy of a max contract, which could reach $148 million over five years with a starting salary of $25.5 million. “I definitely do,” Wiggins told The Crossover. “Nothing less.”"

Wiggins has shown improvement in each of his three seasons in the league.  He is a great scorer with tremendous athletic ability. An issue for him has been defense, an issue that coach Tom Thibodeau is preparing to address.

The Timberwolves have had quite the offseason.

It started with a draft day trade that stunned the NBA. The Wolves acquired star wing Jimmy Butler and the No. 16 pick from the Bulls for Zach LaVine, Kris Dunn and the No. 7 pick. That No. 7 pick turned into Arizona sharpshooting big Lauri Markkanen.

The Timberwolves then dealt starting point guard Ricky Rubio to the Utah Jazz for Oklahoma City’s 2018 first round pick. Rubio spent his entire career in Minnesota but has been included in trade talks since what seems like his second season.

To shore up the point guard spot, the Timberwolves signed former Hawks and Pacers’ guard Jeff Teague to a deal worth $57 million over three years. Thibodeau then went back and signed an old running mate from his days in Chicago — Taj Gibson inked a two-year $28 million deal.

The additions of Teague, Gibson and Butler plus the growth from Wiggins and former No. 1 pick Karl Anthony Towns has Minnesota believing they’re in the playoff hunt. Wiggins and Towns will have to continue to grow on the defensive end. Gibson and Butler, both known for their defense, should help that.

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The mix of veterans and high upside youth should enable Minnesota to end a 14-year playoff drought.

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