Grading Hornets trade deadline targets from no-brainer to brain-dead

Andrew Wiggins - Forward, Golden State Warriors (Questionable-Brainer)

The idea of adding Wiggins would be very similar to the idea of adding Russell. He’s a veteran who wouldn’t make a ton of sense on the Hornets, but the team would be paid in assets to get the contract off the Warriors’ books.

Wiggins has completely cratered as a player since starring in the 2022 NBA finals, but he still has the makeup of a respectable two-way NBA veteran wing player, something that isn’t exactly common in Charlotte.

Ideally, Wiggins could come in and provide leadership for the young guys, while fitting in as a stretch 4 in the meantime. If he could return - even somewhat - to his form of two years ago, he’d be a great upgrade to the lineup.

But the reason for taking on Wiggins would be the assets attached to him. If the 22-25 Warriors decide to shed money, they’ll likely start with Wiggins, who’s in the first year of a four-year $109 million extension. That’s obviously not a great value, but Wiggins is still just 28 years old, and making $26, $28, then $30 million a year is hardly an untradable contract. 

This one isn’t as easy a choice as adding Russell because Wiggins has been worse this year, and his contract is bigger and longer. But still, he could have plenty of utility for an NBA team and should bring assets with him. If nothing else, he’d be a big expiring contract in a few seasons when it’s time to start paying the young guys.