Andrew Wiggins was part of a blockbuster trade between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Minnesota Timberwolves in August 2014. The trade sent All-Star forward Kevin Love to the Cavaliers in exchange for Wiggins, Anthony Bennett, and a future first-round draft pick.
Wiggins arrived in Minnesota with high expectations, as he was widely regarded as one of the top prospects in the NBA draft. The Timberwolves hoped that he would become a cornerstone player for their franchise and help lead them to success in the future.
The trade to the Timberwolves provided Wiggins with a fresh start and the opportunity to showcase his talent in a new environment. He was expected to play a significant role in the team's rebuilding efforts and contribute to their long-term success.
Wiggins quickly emerged as a key piece of the Timberwolves' rebuilding process, along with other young talents such as Karl-Anthony Towns and Zach LaVine. The team looked to build around Wiggins and develop a competitive roster for the future.
With the Timberwolves, Wiggins was given increased responsibility on both ends of the floor. He was tasked with shouldering a significant scoring load and becoming a primary offensive option for the team.
During his time with the Timberwolves, Wiggins had the opportunity to develop under the guidance of head coach Tom Thibodeau. Thibodeau emphasized defensive principles and helped Wiggins refine his skills on both ends of the floor.
While with the Timberwolves, Wiggins had several standout performances, including multiple games where he scored over 40 points. These performances showcased his scoring ability and offensive versatility.
In October 2017, Wiggins signed a five-year, $147 million contract extension with the Timberwolves, signaling the team's commitment to him as a core piece of their future. The extension reflected the Timberwolves' belief in Wiggins' potential and his importance to the team's success.