The Cleveland Cavaliers appear to have the framework of a team that could someday contend for the NBA championship, but by no means should they stand pat this offseason.
Now that the NBA playoffs are over and a world champion has been crowned, it is time for the Cavs to get down to business and find ways to fast-track their journey back to the top.
Their biggest positional need is a two-way wing player who can score when needed, hit 3-pointers and defend at a high level while providing ample athleticism.
When looking at the players who fit that description and could be available this summer, one name stands out the most: Andrew Wiggins.
If the Golden State Warriors aren’t able to sign Wiggins to an extension, the Warriors should go after him.
Wiggins Just Had A Great Performance In The NBA Finals
The Warriors won their fourth title in eight years by dispatching the Boston Celtics in six games, and Stephen Curry took home the Finals MVP award with one of the better Finals performances ever.
But lost in all the praise for Curry is the fact that Wiggins also played very well.
Andrew Wiggins had 18/6/5/4/3 and 4 threes tonight.
No other player in NBA history have matched or exceeded that statline in a Finals game. pic.twitter.com/ywjN8wCD6M
— StatMuse (@statmuse) June 17, 2022
With Klay Thompson struggling to hit his shot at times, Wiggins was the Warriors’ second-best player in this series.
He finished it averaging 18.3 points and 8.8 rebounds per game, and his timely 3-point shooting helped stymie at least one Boston run.
But what’s most impressive about Wiggins is what he did on the defensive end.
He helped cause Celtics star Jayson Tatum to have a blunder of a series, as Tatum shot less than 43 percent in all but one game and under 40 percent in four contests.
Jayson Tatum in the finals pic.twitter.com/CssdJAYmnG
— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) June 17, 2022
When it mattered most, Tatum looked weak, and Wiggins’ defense was a big reason why.
Jayson Tatum in the 4th quarter of every Finals game pic.twitter.com/KmSnwSmfXV
— BetMGM 🦁 (@BetMGM) June 17, 2022
Wiggins has come a long way since the Warriors acquired him from the Minnesota Timberwolves a couple of years ago.
Back then, he was considered lacking in intensity and passion, he was not a good outside shooter and he was considered a lazy defender.
But now, Wiggins has become the best version of himself.
He has one year left on his contract, and the Warriors will look to sign him to an extension, but it will be costly for a team that already has big money committed to Curry, Thompson and Draymond Green.
If there is an impasse in those discussions, perhaps the Cavs could swoop in and make an offer.
Wiggins Could Help Shorten The Cavs’ Growth Process
If Wiggins became a Cavalier, he could fit in well with the culture head coach J.B. Bickerstaff is building.
His outstanding defense, reliable 3-point shooting, athleticism and ability to score one-on-one could single-handedly make Cleveland into a playoff team right away.
At age 27, Wiggins isn’t that much older than Darius Garland, Collin Sexton, Evan Mobley or Jarrett Allen, which means he would fit in with the team’s timeline.
Now that he’s a world champion, he could also impact the young Cavs with the wisdom and experience he has gained from playing on the NBA’s reigning dynasty.
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