Andrew Wiggins has seen his name dart around NBA trade circles since LeBron announced his return to Cleveland and barring a shocking twist, the No. 1 pick will finally be in Minneapolis by the end of the month in the Kevin Love deal. As the former Kansas star sat in limbo for weeks, it appears he was hoping to be traded, something he shared with his former coach Bill Self.
Wiggins was a guest coach at Self’s basketball camp in Overland Park, Kansas over the weekend therefore of course Self was asked about his former player’s debacle, enlightening everyone on the following:
When all this trade stuff started, I talked to Andrew and Andrew told me, ‘I hope I get traded,'” Self said. “And I’m like, ‘No you don’t.’ And he said, ‘Coach, I do. It’s better for me, knowing my personality and what I need to do, to go somewhere where I’m forced to be something as opposed to going in there where they’re going to be patient with me and I’m going to be a piece.
Professional athletes are typically ridiculed for requesting or praying for a trade, but, assuming Self’s words were accurate, Wiggins took a very mature and responsibly positive approach to a very sticky situation.
Self continued his comments by agreeing with his former pupil, saying:
Even though in a weird way everybody would love the opportunity to play with LeBron because you’re guaranteed winning, for the longevity of his career, he needs to develop that mindset to be the guy, for him to be great, and I think being Minnesota will help him do that
Wiggins cannot be officially dealt until the 30-day post-signing period has passed on August 23rd.
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[ESPN]
Photo Courtesy: AP
