Section 215
Fansided

76ers should pursue trade for Andrew Wiggins if Timberwolves sign D’Angelo Russell

By Dan Parzych

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 07: Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Minnesota Timberwolves shoots a jumper over Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half at Staples Center on November 7, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 07: Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Minnesota Timberwolves shoots a jumper over Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half at Staples Center on November 7, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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With the Minnesota Timberwolves expressing interest in D’Angelo Russell, the Philadelphia 76ers should reach out about a potential Andrew Wiggins trade.

Back in 2014 when the Philadelphia 76ers seemed to be a lock for the top overall pick in the draft before slipping to No. 3, there was plenty of speculation that Andrew Wiggins would end up joining the squad.

Rightfully so at the time, Wiggins was considered one of the best players in the draft, and would seem like the perfect fit on a team like the Sixers, who were in desperate need of adding stars after going through numerous seasons of rebuilding.

As everyone now knows, this seemed to work out for the best with Philadelphia since Joel Embiid would end up going at No. 3, and turned out to be the better player over Wiggins, despite some of the early frustrations with his injuries.

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Of course, this isn’t to say that Wiggins isn’t a talented player since there have been times in which the former Kansas star has come up big for the Timberwolves, although there have been some questions over whether he would be a better fit on a different team.

Does this mean the Sixers could be a potential fit for Wiggins?

Well, this scenario may sound like a long shot at the moment, but depending on what kind of moves the Timberwolves make in the upcoming free agency period, Philadelphia may want to explore the possibility.

In fact, one potential factor to take into consideration is whether Minnesota has any shot at signing D’Angelo Russell since a move like this could make the Timberwolves more willing to move on from Wiggins in a potential trade.

For starters, just because Minnesota plans on meeting with Russell doesn’t necessarily mean this scenario has a great shot of actually happen since the star guard will be drawing plenty of interest from numerous teams, including the Brooklyn Nets.

But to have a little fun, let’s pretend the possibility of Russell to the Timberwolves does in fact heat up, and Minnesota ends up putting the former No. 1 pick on the trade block.

Jimmy Butler will most likely continue to be the top target for the Sixers over the next couple of days, but just the thought of a player like Wiggins joining a duo in Embiid and Ben Simmons seems capable of having all sorts of potential.

Not to mention, with Wiggins only turning 24 last February, the youngster clearly still has plenty of great basketball left in him, and could help Philadelphia in a big way moving forward when it comes to continuing to be a top contender in the Eastern Conference.

Production wise, Wiggins has watched his numbers decline a bit over the last two seasons, but as mentioned before, a fresh start on a new team like the Sixers could help turn things around before it’s too late.

Once again, the upcoming free agency period is expected to be filled with plenty of excitement, and if the Timberwolves do somehow become a serious landing spot for Russell, Philadelphia would be foolish not to at least consider the idea of Wiggins.