Golden State Warriors Eye Andrew Wiggins Return Amid Jimmy Butler Injury, Seek Instant Stability

When the Golden State Warriors saw Jimmy Butler suffer a season-ending ACL tear earlier this week, several realities quickly became clear. First and foremost, any lingering hopes of contending for an NBA championship this season were essentially dashed. However, one often-overlooked consequence is the potential uncertainty surrounding head coach Steve Kerr’s future.

In this context, the Warriors have reportedly set their sights on reacquiring Andrew Wiggins, the 6-foot-7 wing who played a key role in Golden State’s surprising 2022 NBA championship run. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Warriors could explore a trade to bring Wiggins back just 12 months after he was included in the blockbuster Jimmy Butler deal, with potential assets involved including Jonathan Kuminga, Buddy Hield, and some draft picks. This move would prioritize immediate impact over long-term development.

Instant Familiarity

The most obvious advantage of bringing Wiggins back is instant familiarity. He knows Steve Kerr’s system inside and out, understands how to operate alongside Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, and has previously thrived in Golden State’s spacing and defensive schemes. With only around 35 games left in the regular season, there is no time to wait for new players to adjust.

Having Wiggins eliminates the learning curve entirely, providing an immediate stabilizing presence for the starting lineup. Other potential targets, like Trey Murphy III or Michael Porter Jr., would require time to adapt to Kerr’s system and develop chemistry with Curry and Green, whereas Wiggins can step in seamlessly.

A Two-Way Elite Player

Wiggins’ current form reinforces why he is the ideal candidate. According to Stat Defender, Wiggins has been a lockdown defender, allowing just 0.32 points per isolation possession. On offense, he is shooting nearly 40% from three-point range on nearly five attempts per game and has remained exceptionally reliable in the fourth quarter, shooting 52.4% in clutch situations.

This combination of elite defense and dependable perimeter shooting is exactly what Golden State needs to reinforce their starting five. Early experiments with the Curry–Melton–Green–Wiggins lineup have yielded impressive results: the quartet posted a 139.2 offensive rating, 97.9 defensive rating, and 3-0 record over a three-game span.

Remaining Questions

While Wiggins can stabilize the wing, the center position remains a question mark. The Warriors could rely on players like Quinten Post, who shoots 34.8% from three, or lean on the playoff experience of Al Horford.

Additionally, the team must monitor Draymond Green’s regression. This season, he is averaging 8.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, 5.2 assists, with shooting percentages of 42.6% from the field and 33.1% from three. If Green’s struggles continue, Golden State may face difficult conversations regarding his $27 million player option next season.

Near-Term Outlook

Bringing back Wiggins provides the Warriors with a short-term solution in a season suddenly fraught with uncertainty. It keeps them competitive in the playoff race, which seemed unlikely after Butler’s injury. If Butler can return in time for postseason action, the Warriors will have a realistic chance to contend. But regardless, Wiggins ensures that the team has stability, elite defense, and spacing, all immediately impactful qualities.

With Wiggins, the Warriors avoid the risk of losing games due to unfamiliarity with Kerr’s system. The team can maintain a trustworthy defensive presence and consistent shooting without having to rely on a learning curve for new players.

Long-Term Implications

While Butler’s return, Green’s performance, and Kerr’s contract situation remain uncertain, Wiggins serves as a familiar anchor that Golden State can rely on immediately. His presence would allow the team to mitigate the impact of Butler’s absence and maintain competitiveness in the Western Conference.

This move is not merely about nostalgia; it’s about strategic stability and maximizing the current roster’s potential. Wiggins’ prior experience in the Warriors’ system allows the team to focus on game preparation and execution instead of teaching schemes midseason.

Conclusion

In a season filled with uncertainty, bringing back Wiggins is not just a trade—it’s a way for the Warriors to restore stability both on and off the court. His presence allows Golden State to maintain a competitive edge while the team navigates injuries and player inconsistencies. With his combination of elite defense, reliable perimeter shooting, and immediate familiarity, Wiggins could be the key to helping the Warriors salvage this season and maintain a playoff presence.

While Butler, Green, and Kerr’s futures remain open questions, Wiggins is a known quantity who can provide immediate impact. In a season with limited time and heightened stakes, his return could make all the difference, turning a potentially lost season into a window for contention. Golden State’s ability to capitalize on Wiggins’ familiarity could ultimately define the team’s success in the closing stretch and shape its playoff trajectory.