Fansided

Report: Andrew Wiggins could sign extension with Timberwolves this weekend

By Rob Wolkenbrod

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - MARCH 21: Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on during the third quarter of the game against the San Antonio Spurs on March 21, 2017 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Spurs defeated the Timberwolves 100-93. 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 21: Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on during the third quarter of the game against the San Antonio Spurs on March 21, 2017 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Spurs defeated the Timberwolves 100-93. 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 could sign his extension with the Timberwolves this weekend.

Andrew Wiggins entered the NBA in 2014, getting selected No. 1 overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers, before going to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the infamous Kevin Love trade. Wiggins was hyped as a future superstar in high school and college, and while he may not be at that level yet, he’s delivered quality numbers through three seasons.

Well, Wiggins is about to be paid like he’s a superstar. According to Darren Wolfson (h/t NBC Sports), the Timberwolves and the former Kansas star agreed to a max contract extension, which is expected to be completed before Saturday.

Wiggins will receive a five-year, $148 million deal to stay in Minnesota. It’s an average annual value of $29.6 million, well above the $6 million he made on the rookie wage scale in the 2016-17 season. He notably fired his agent in August, after the team offered him a contract extension.

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Wiggins gets rewarded for youth and potential. He’s just 22 years old and has plenty of years ahead of him in the NBA, which the Wolves likely want to see every bit of.

As for the Canadian star’s upside, his scoring totals increased every season. He went from 16.9 points in his rookie season, 20.7 in his sophomore campaign, and 23.6 in his third year. It’s all while his 3-point percentage surged to 35.6 percent last season.

The concern with Wiggins’ game is defense. He had a low 0.9 Defensive Win Shares in 2016-17, along with a low of -2.9 Defensive Box Plus-Minus. It doesn’t paint a terrific picture of him as a defender, but at a young age and with plenty of athleticism, the opportunity is there for this to improve.

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Wiggins will look to play up to this new contract when the Timberwolves return for the 2017-18 season on Wednesday, Oct. 18 against the San Antonio Spurs.

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