NBA Trade: 3 potential trade destinations for Andrew Wiggins

After making a huge impression during his year with the Kansas Jayhawks, Andrew Wiggins was selected first overall in the 2014 draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers. The teenager was soon sent to the Minnesota Timberwolves in a three-team trade, and after scoring just six points on his debut, Wiggins quickly improved and was eventually named Rookie of the Year for the 2014-15 season.

The Toronto native's impact continued to increase over the next few years, and after averaging 23.6 points per game during the 16-17 season, Wiggins signed a five-year, $148 million contract extension with the Timberwolves.

Nevertheless, Wiggins has struggled for form over the last two campaigns, and he shot just 41% from the field last season. With the Timberwolves also well out of playoff contention in a crowded Western Conference, Wiggins has been linked with a trade, and here we will examine three potential destinations.

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#3 Charlotte Hornets

Andrew Wiggins would give the Hornets a star to grow alongside Terry Rozier

Kemba Walker has been the driving force for the Charlotte Hornets over the past few seasons, although the franchise opted against handing the 29-year-old a super-max contract earlier this summer.

The decision to move on from Walker has left the franchise well away from playoff contention and the organization will need to make a bold move to get back into the mix.

With the Hornets lacking any real trade assets, a path to a deal is difficult, although if the Timberwolves suffer another slow start to the season, they may consider accepting the expiring deals of Bismack Biyombo and Marvin Williams. While it would be a blow for Minnesota to lose Wiggins for no assets in return, the deal would grant the organization plenty of cap space to build around Karl-Anthony Towns.

Meanwhile, the Hornets will be getting a potential future All-Star that could experience a career resurgence alongside Terry Rozier.

#2 Oklahoma City Thunder

Andrew Wiggins could link up with the likes of Chris Paul and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in Oklahoma City

The Oklahoma City Thunder have a record haul of draft picks following the departures of Paul George and Russell Westbrook - although the majority of those picks are likely to be late-second round selections. Additionally, Oklahoma City has long been a destination that free agents have snubbed.

This leaves the Oklahoma City Thunder in a difficult situation when it comes to attracting new talent, and a bold move for Andrew Wiggins would give the team an exciting young player to grow alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

The Thunder can send the likes of Dennis Schroder and Danilo Gallinari to the Minnesota Timberwolves to complete a deal, and even if Wiggins fails to step up in Oklahoma City, the Thunder can always attach draft picks to unload him at a later date.

#1 Cleveland Cavaliers

Andrew Wiggins was drafted by the Cavs but was quickly traded to the Timberwolves

After concluding that he couldn't win another title in Cleveland, LeBron James departed for Los Angeles last summer. Nevertheless, the Cavs stated their intent to remain contenders and signed Kevin Love to a four-year, $120 million extension.

However, after a woeful start to the 18-19 season, the Cavs soon shifted towards a rebuild, although Love's enormous extension will only kick into effect this season. The former All-Star's presence is now set to delay Cleveland's ongoing rebuild, and a trade to Minnesota makes plenty of sense.

Love established himself as one of the NBA's top talents during his six years with the Timberwolves, and the 30-year-old remains on good terms with the organization. Meanwhile, Wiggins would provide the Cavs with a much younger talent that can improve alongside the likes of Collin Sexton and Darius Garland.