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NBA Trade Rumors: James Harden, Andrew Wiggins and this year’s most likely trade bait

By Rucker Haringey

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 10: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets reacts during the third quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Four of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on September 10, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 10: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets reacts during the third quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Four of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on September 10, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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NBA trade rumors, Andrew Wiggins
Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images /

4. Andrew Wiggins

Andrew Wiggins has the talent to become a high-level starter for the Golden State Warriors this season. The problem is he’s never showcased the sort of work ethic required to reach that type of status in the NBA.

The fact that he’s in the middle of the five-year, $147 million deal he inked with the Minnesota Timberwolves will make him difficult for Golden State to move. It’s not an impossible task for the Warriors’ front office though. Wiggins still flashes enough talent to convince competent NBA head coaches that they can unlock his massive potential.

The reality of Wiggins is that he’s significantly overpaid, but he still is worthy of being an important rotation piece for an NBA playoff team. Projecting him to be anything more than that is fraught with peril. Conversely, regarding him as a useless player is a prime example of focusing in too much on a player’s shortcomings.

In a strange way, Wiggins’ massive salary will make him more likely to be moved this season. It will prevent the Warriors from needing to attach significant assets to get off his deal. Look for him to be traded for another player who is both overpaid and needs a change of scenery. Wiggins looks primed for a challenging trade that will end his tenure in Golden State.

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