Andrew Wiggins could be receiving a max extension any day now, but first, Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor wants a commitment.
Taylor told Jon Krawcyznski of the Associated Press, “I’m already extending to him that I’m willing to meet the max. But there are some things that I need out of him, and that is the commitment to be a better player than you are today.”
He wants Wiggins to be a two-way star and not just a one-trick pony.
The former No. 1 NBA draft pick has had no trouble scoring the basketball, having averaged 23 points per game last season. However he’s yet to show the same kind of promise on the defensive side, and is averaging just 2.2 rebounds in his three-year career – and although his offense is legit, he can still improve on his ball handling and 3-point ability.
Krawcyznski also noted on Twitter that it’s “vintage Taylor” to close on a deal with a handshake and conversation.
It’s believed that Wiggins’ max deal would be for five years and pay him nearly $150 million.
Minnesota hasn’t made the playoff since 2004 – which is the longest drought in the NBA. The franchise has had arguably its most aggressive offseason this summer, trading for three-time All-Star Jimmy Butler while adding veterans Taj Gibson, Jeff Teague and Jamal Crawford in free agency.
Any team would love to have a young talent like Wiggins, and if he’s able to improve upon his deficiencies, the Wolves could have a core of players that can not only make the playoffs, but compete for an NBA title.
