Warriors 'hardball' strategy may cost Andrew Wiggins Olympic participation amid growing uncertainty over future: Report

The Paris Olympics are right around the corner, but Andrew Wiggins's predicament with the Warriors' front office could stop him from joining the Canadian team. NBA insider Doug Smith reported that Golden State remains headstrong in their decision to move him. That puts his availability for Canada in the international tournament in jeopardy.

During last year's FIBA competition, the Warriors forward joined Nuggets star Jamal Murray as two NBA players who couldn't represent their country. That's because Wiggins had decided to not commit to the program as he had already balanced his family and NBA responsibilities.

Smith shared the report on his X handle and highlighted that the Canadian Olympic team is bound to open their training camp on Friday night.

"Andrew Wiggins out of Canadian Olympic picture, according to a source," Smith posted. "Golden State Warriors playing hardball with veteran they are looking to move. Canadian team opens camp later tonight."

When it comes down to it, a player hoping to play in the Olympics still needs permission from his team to be made available. However, the Warriors remain content in finding a trade package for him, causing some conflict on the Olympic end.

The Warriors' front office continues to explore trades involving Wiggins alongside veteran point guard Chris Paul. After a disappointing finish last season, this offseason is a critical moment for the franchise as they try to maneuver it toward their benefit.

Moreover, Wiggins has not made any comments or addressed this report.

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Andrew Wiggins talked about his disappointing play with the Warriors last season

Andrew Wiggins was asked on NBCS how he would evaluate his production during the season after a crushing 118-94 defeat to the Kings in the Play-In Tournament.

"My season was not too good," Wiggins said. "Not great, I feel like I started picking it up the second half of the season. But the first half, it wasn't too good. ... We were really good in the second half of the season. We were figuring stuff out. But it's unfortunate that it had to end this way."

Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins

Wiggins' play throughout the season paled compared to how he was during the team's championship run in 2022. At his best, he is more than capable of being a reliable two-way wing. He showcased that skill the most when he hampered Celtics star Jayson Tatum's offensive process in the 2022 NBA Finals.

Since then, his production has not been the same as he struggled to maintain consistency.

Be that as it may, if the Warriors find a suitable trade move for him, he could use that to his advantage in coming out stronger for next season.