Andrew Wiggins and Timberwolves agree to max deal

Andrew Wiggins of the Minnesota Timberwolves has officially signed the max contract extension that’s been waiting for him.

The Minnesota Timberwolves have agreed to a contract extension with forward Andrew Wiggins. The five-year, $148 million dollar deal is the maximum allowed to sign by a player coming off their rookie deal.

After an offseason that reshaped their roster, Minnesota has decided to lock up one of the remaining players and massive part of their core.

Wiggins was the first overall pick of the 2014 draft class. This draft class has entered extension season, with Joel Embiid just inking a massive extension himself. Embiid’s contract, due to his unique situation, is no doubt different than Wiggins’. However, the money and years are the same as set by the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement.

The young forward, who entered the league with massive hype, has been a solid player. Even with Wiggins’ explosive scoring, the feel around the league is that he is an inefficient scorer who does not do much else, especially on the defensive end. Adding a consistent 3-point shot and defensive consistency, especially with the addition of Butler, should be the priority for Wiggins.

Minnesota has playoff aspirations after this offseason. There are fit questions with Butler and Wiggins. Both are ball-dominant wings with below average 3-point shooting. Add in Karl Anthony-Towns, who should be a high-usage big man, and there may not be enough shots to go around. Jeff Teague, the team’s new point guard, is also used to having the ball in his hands.

The remaining core pieces, Wiggins, Towns, and Gorgui Dieng will have to get comfortable with all the new pieces quickly. Thibodeau has to be disappointed with last season. Minnesota struggled on the defensive end, the coach’s staple.

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With the new faces in Minnesota, especially perennial star Butler, the Timberwovles seem like a playoff lock. Wiggins will need to continue to grow. Sharing the court, and passing defensive assignments to Butler should help that.