NBA Rumors: Golden State Warriors, close to bringing back a key piece from the 2022 title

According to journalist Jake Fischer, the Golden State Warriors could be close to bringing back a familiar face who was instrumental in their last NBA championship. As per this insider, the San Francisco franchise is in talks with the Miami Heat to finalize a trade that would allow Andrew Wiggins to return to the Bay Area.

Fischer states that there is already a well-defined negotiating foundation between both organizations. The proposal involves sending Jonathan Kuminga to Miami and bringing back Wiggins to Golden State. "There is absolutely some sort of framework being discussed—and that has been discussed—between Golden State and Miami to send Jonathan Kuminga to the Heat and bring back Andrew Wiggins to the Warriors," explained Fischer.

The potential departure of Kuminga would not come as a surprise. The Congolese forward has been on the market since last summer and has been officially available for trade since January 15. Immediately after that date, he requested to leave the team. At 23 years old, Kuminga has only played in 20 games this season, spending most of the campaign on the bench due to coach Steve Kerr's decision.

Wiggins, key player of the last championship

Andrew Wiggins played parts of six seasons with the Warriors and was a vital player in the championship won in 2022. However, he left Golden State a year ago in a five-team trade that brought Jimmy Butler to the Warriors. Nevertheless, that move has been overshadowed by Butler's serious injury, tearing his anterior cruciate ligament and ruling him out for the remainder of the season. With this setback, Golden State is in a race against time to salvage the season.

Wiggins is in the third year of a four-year, $109 million contract, with $30 million remaining for the next season. While the Warriors do not want to take on unwanted salaries in a potential exchange involving Kuminga, Wiggins' contract fits their plans due to its structure and timeline. In a situation of sporting urgency, the return of an established player, a champion with the franchise, and familiar with the system could be a logical move for a Warriors team seeking immediate solutions.