UPDATE: (10/11/17): Andrew Wiggins and the Minnesota Timberwolves have reached an agreement on a new contract extension, the team formally announced on Wednesday. The expected extension is a five-year maximum salary deal worth $148 million.
OFFICIAL: The Timberwolves agree to a multi-year contract extension with @22wiggins » https://t.co/hUNgaV3eC0 pic.twitter.com/gkGr7SOZqX
— Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) October 11, 2017
Putting the pen to the paper. ?? pic.twitter.com/PJCgnMiESI
— Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) October 11, 2017
“I’m pleased that we’ve reached an agreement with Andrew on a contract extension,” said Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor. “Andrew is one of the best young players in the NBA and he has the talent and work ethic to get even better and be a foundation for our franchise for many years.”
“I’m very excited to continue my career with the Timberwolves,” said Wiggins. “I love it here. The fans and organization have supported me from my first day here in Minnesota. I want to thank Glen Taylor, Tom Thibodeau, the entire coaching staff and my teammates for believing in me. We’ve had some good times over the last three seasons, but the best is yet to come. I look forward to doing right by them and bringing this team to the postseason.”
The following is the original Def Pen story:
Minnesota Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor said that the organization was open to giving 22-year-old swingman Andrew Wiggins a maximum contract extension – on the condition that Wiggins commits to improving as a player. I guess Wiggins said he was OK with becoming better at basketball, because the Timberwolves are reportedly prepared to sign the former no. 1 overall pick to a maximum contract extension by next Saturday, reports Darren Wolfson of KSTP:
The Wiggins 5-years, $148M extension is expected to be done before Saturday’s 1st practice, per a chat I had w/ owner Glen Taylor. #Twolves
— Darren Wolfson (@DWolfsonKSTP) September 18, 2017
Last season, Wiggins averaged a career-high 23.6 points, to go with four rebounds and 2.3 assists per game on 45.2 percent shooting.
The Wolves made major moves this summer, trading for Jimmy Butler and signing for Jeff Teague. Those moves were more about winning now, but this Wiggins extension is about the future. While it’s a little weird to feel the need to publicly say “we want our young star to be better,” it is usually assumed that young players will improve; teams don’t typically re-sign or acquire young players based on their current level, but on their potential.
