The Golden State Warriors are staring down the barrel of a lost season. The devastating news of Jimmy Butler’s ACL tear has ripped the heart out of their roster, with the All-Star forward not expected back until sometime next year. What was supposed to be a veteran-led push for another deep playoff run has turned into a desperate scramble to salvage what’s left of 2025–26.
But in the midst of the chaos, one name keeps surfacing in league circles — and it’s a name that makes Warriors fans weak in the knees: Andrew Wiggins.
According to Brett Siegel of Clutch Points, league personnel are buzzing that the Warriors are seriously evaluating familiar faces at the wing and forward spots. While Trey Murphy III and DeMar DeRozan have been linked for months, the real headline is this: Golden State is pushing hard to bring back the man who was instrumental in their 2022 NBA Championship run.
Wiggins, now with the Miami Heat, was the perfect complement to Stephen Curry and Draymond Green during that title season. His length, athleticism, defense on the perimeter, and ability to attack in transition created instant chemistry with the core duo. Curry could operate freely knowing Wiggins would handle the toughest defensive assignments. Green could roam and orchestrate because Wiggins was a reliable spacer and finisher. That trio’s connection wasn’t just good — it was championship-caliber.
And now, with Butler sidelined, the front office reportedly sees Wiggins as the quickest path to restoring balance and competitiveness.
Why Wiggins Makes Perfect Sense Right Now
- Proven chemistry — Wiggins already knows the Warriors’ system inside and out. No learning curve. No adjustment period. He steps in and the Curry-Green-Wiggins connection picks up right where it left off in 2022.
- Two-way impact — Miami has used him as a versatile wing, but his best basketball came in Golden State’s motion offense. He can guard 1–4, hit open threes, and attack closeouts — exactly what the Warriors need with Butler out.
- Nostalgia + upside — Fans still remember “Game 6 Wiggins” — the 26-point, 13-rebound masterpiece that helped close out the Celtics. Bringing him back would ignite the Chase Center crowd and give the team an emotional lift during a brutal stretch.
The Realistic Trade Package
No official offer has leaked yet, but the framework is clear. Miami would want value that matches Wiggins’ contract and future potential.
The centerpiece has to be Jonathan Kuminga. His salary lines up almost perfectly, and while Golden State has tried (and failed) to move him in the past, Miami could view him as a high-upside piece for their long-term core — or flip him in a three-team deal to a team that covets his athleticism.
To make salaries match, the Warriors would likely include Buddy Hield and De’Anthony Melton — two veterans who could help Miami’s depth. A future draft pick (likely protected) would almost certainly be required, as Golden State’s asset cupboard isn’t overflowing.
DeRozan & Murphy Still in the Mix, But Wiggins Feels Different
DeMar DeRozan remains a popular target — especially with rumors that the Sacramento Kings still covet Kuminga. A multi-time All-Star scorer would give Curry and Green a reliable second option on offense. But DeRozan’s fit is more offensive-minded; he doesn’t bring the same defensive versatility Wiggins offers.
Trey Murphy III is the dream long-term piece, but the Pelicans aren’t in a rush to move him. New Orleans is rebuilding around youth and would demand far more than Kuminga + role players + a pick.
Wiggins, on the other hand, feels like the “gettable” reunion that actually moves the needle this season.
The Warriors aren’t dead yet. Stephen Curry is still playing at an All-NBA level. Draymond Green is still the emotional and defensive engine. And the front office knows that re-inserting Andrew Wiggins into the lineup could reignite the magic that delivered Banner #7.
If they pull this off, the headlines will write themselves: