Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins will not play for Canada at the Paris Olympics later this summer because the team won’t let him, and the 29-year-old is reportedly unhappy with the decision.
According to Toronto Raptors reporter Doug Smith, the Golden State Warriors are “playing hardball” with Andrew Wiggins, especially since his name has been in the trade rumor mill lately.
The Athletic’s John Hollinger indicated the Golden State Warriors have a medical concern about Wiggins, but Michael Grange from Sportsnet said that Canada had him already medically cleared.
“I’m reading this as the Warriors blocking him due to a medical issue, which they can do if there’s a legit health reason (as opposed to “we don’t feel like letting you play”),” Hollinger posted on his X (formerly known as Twitter).
“Told this was an 11th-hour thing. Wiggins was insured & cleared medically by @CanBball but now very much on trade block & Dubs not having it. With Wiggins’ ankle injury last season and $85m on line, not hard for the team doctor to find a reason. Wiggins not happy, but not many options,” replied Grange.
Andrew Wiggins was included on Canada’s training camp roster, as he was looking to compete for his country for the first time since the 2020 FIBA Men’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament. Having the Golden State Warriors forward would’ve boosted their chances of winning their first Olympic medal since winning silver nearly a century ago.
Golden State Warriors “aggressively” shopping Andrew Wiggins
Andrew Wiggins has three years and $84.7 million left on his contract. However, the Golden State Warriors are looking to move him because of his poor production and the team’s complicated salary cap situation.
The one-time NBA champion is coming off the worst season of his NBA career, averaging 13.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game on 45.3 percent shooting from the field in 2023-24.
Besides finding a trade partner for Andrew Wiggins, the Golden State Warriors are also faced with a decision regarding free agent Klay Thompson.
