The Toronto Raptors, who have already placed a big bulls-eye on Andrew Wiggins' back as their top free-agency target two seasons from now, may need to come up with more than just a lucrative offer in order for them to land the rookie phenom when his contractual status becomes up in the air.
Wiggins, the no.1 overall pick in the 2014 draft, has dealt a major blow to the Raptors' bid of salvaging him in 2017 after making it clear to everybody that he has no intention of bolting out from the Minnesota Timberwolves when his rookie contract expires.
In an interview with the National Post, the 6-foot-8 Toronto stressed that he doesn't want to leave Minnesota, especially the T-Wolves fans that have treated him well since the first day he arrived as a 19-year old prospect out of Kansas.
"I love Minnesota," Wiggins said of his plan to extend his stay in his quasi-home via the National Post. "They treat me nice up there. I plan to be there a very, very, very long time."
Wiggins' comment might have disappointed dozens of Raptors fans fervently believing that he's the chosen one who will take the franchise to the next level. However, general manager Masai Ujiri isn't ruling out a Wiggins sighting in Toronto as early as 2017, especially if the Timberwolves are unable to achieve their goals in the next two seasons.
According to National Post writer Eric Koreen, the Timberwolves would need to become a championship contender in the coming seasons for them to retain the service of Wiggins for a long haul.
"If the Timberwolves build a championship contender, Wiggins would be unlikely to bolt. It is far too early to judge the Timberwolves' plan, especially with another high lottery pick coming this year. Having Wiggins, who has met some considerable expectations in his first season, certainly helps," Koreen stated.
On Wednesday, Wiggins made his only Toronto visit of the season in the Timberwolves' 105-100 loss to the Raptors. Although he never got into a scoring mode in that game, Wiggins nevertheless put up a solid statistical line of 15 points on 6-for-9 shooting in 32 minutes of action.
Obviously, free-agency is still far from Wiggins' mind. He might have already secured the Rookie of the Year plum by averaging at least 15 points and 4 rebounds per game this season (ESPN stats), but he's definitely hungry for more. The Raptors, on the other hand, are in the process of becoming a major contender in the East as they are on their way to the postseason for the second straight year. Wiggins and the Raptors are currently taking on different road that could one day cross path as earliest as 2017.