NBA Rumors: Kawhi Leonard To Timberwolves For Andrew Wiggins, Per Bleacher Report
The Minnesota Timberwolves may be a player away from being mentioned with the likes of the Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets. According to Adam Fromal of Bleacher Report, Kawhi Leonard might be that missing link. With Leonard’s name being tossed around in countless NBA rumors, the Timberwolves have the necessary pieces to make a deal work.
Fromal would go on to mention that the Timberwolves could offer the San Antonio Spurs a package that includes Tyus Jones, Justin Patton, a 2018 first round pick, and Andrew Wiggins. What that deal will give the Wolves is Leonard, Patty Mills, and a 2018 second-round pick.
While moving Leonard may not have been remotely thought of a season ago, a serious of events surrounding his quadriceps injury may have revealed his distaste for the Spurs’ organization. Not only that, but just a few weeks ago, a report came out that Wiggins is unhappy playing third fiddle on the Timberwolves to Karl-Anthony Towns and Jimmy Butler.
So, with both teams dealing with possible disgruntled players, it may be wise for the Wolves and Spurs to swap their young stars.
Could a Kawhi Leonard For Andrew Wiggins Deal Work For Both Teams?
On the season, Wiggins is averaging 18 points and 4.3 rebounds on 44 percent shooting from the floor. Kawhi has missed the majority of the 2017 season but has career averages of 16.3 points and 6.2 rebounds to go along with his stellar play on the defensive side of the ball.
But still, neither player seems to be happy in their current situation. Fromal would go on to mention how Gregg Popovich would milk Wiggins and all his athletic abilities while the Timberwolves are in desperate need of a defensive ace like Leonard.
Leonard has 2 years remaining on his current deal including a player option in 2019 for $21.3 million. Wiggins, however, still has $146 million headed his way thanks to a new 5-year deal he signed in 2017.
Imagine a frontcourt for the Wolves that features Towns, Taj Gibson, and Leonard. Not to stop there, but the Wolves could finally unleash Jeff Teague and Butler defensively on the perimeter with Leonard and Towns defending the paint.
As for the Spurs, they could get an athletic high-flying wing player in Wiggins to pair with LaMarcus Aldridge and Dejounte Murray.
Moving Leonard at one point seemed impossible but for a player with a tremendous upside like Wiggins and a first rounder, this may be too good to pass up.
Mark has been covering Sports and Entertainment for the past six years. His work has been featured on Bleacher Report, ESPN, Fox Sports, Teen Vogue, and many other websites.
