Andrew Wiggins Wants To Be Traded To Minnesota, Kansas Coach Bill Self Says

Andrew Wiggins apparently welcomes a trade to the woeful Minnesota Timberwolves, the No. 1 pick’s college coach says.

Kansas coach Bill Self said that his former star player believes he will have a better long-term outlook in Minnesota, where he will likely be traded.

Though Wiggins initially appeared to be a key part of the rebuilding Cleveland Cavaliers, that changed quickly once LeBron James decided to return home. LeBron’s return prompted the Cavs to go shopping for Minnesota star forward Kevin Love, who along with James would make the Cavaliers an immediate title favorite.

Minnesota reportedly focused on Andrew Wiggins in the trade, and though Cleveland initially resisted it now appears that a trade is in place sending him to Minnesota. Though the deal can’t be finalized until Wiggins’ 30-day contract window ends, insiders close to the teams say it is all but guaranteed.

Many believe the deal is a slight to Andrew Wiggins, who was quickly cast off after being picked first overall in the NBA draft, but apparently Wiggins doesn’t see it that way.

“When all this trade stuff started, I talked to Andrew and Andrew told me, ‘I hope I get traded,’ ” Self said. “And I’m like, ‘No you don’t.’ And he said, ‘Coach, I do. It’s better for me, knowing my personality and what I need to do, to go somewhere where I’m forced to be something as opposed to going in there where they’re going to be patient with me and I’m going to be a piece.’ ”

Bill Self added that he actually agrees with Wiggins.

“Even though in a weird way everybody would love the opportunity to play with LeBron because you’re guaranteed winning,” Self said, “for the longevity of his career, he needs to develop that mindset to be the guy, for him to be great, and I think being Minnesota will help him do that.”

Even though he may be fine with it, Andrew Wiggins is leaving what appears to be the NBA’s best team for what might be the worst. The Timberwolves have been at the bottom of the league for several seasons, a major factor in Kevin Love wanting to escape to a team that can compete for a title.