NBA: T-Wolves warn Wiggins $150-million extension requires max effort

MANKATO, MINN.— Minnesota Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor said Monday that he is ready to commit nearly $150 million (U.S.) to Toronto native Andrew Wiggins with a max-level extension of his rookie contract. Before he does so, Taylor wants to sit down face-to-face with Wiggins to hear the former No. 1 overall pick commit to the franchise in a similar fashion.

Wiggins averaged 23.6 points per game and shot 35.6 per cent from three-point range last season, more than 5 per cent better than his previous season.

But the Wolves have not made the playoffs since 2004, and it’s clear that when Taylor decides to give a contract of this magnitude after adding Jimmy Butler via trade and veterans Taj Gibson and Jamal Crawford in free agency, he is expecting it to pay off quickly.

“To me, by making this offer, I’m speculating that his contribution to the team will be more in the future,” Taylor said.

“We’ve got to be better. He can’t be paid just for what he’s doing today.”

Wiggins’ agent, Billy Duffy of BDA Sports, is expected to arrive in Minneapolis next week to continue the talks, and a five-year, $148-million extension could happen soon after.

Taylor said he wants to hear a commitment from Wiggins to work out often in the Twin Cities in the sum- mer and improve all areas of his game.

Taylor and coach Tom Thibodeau are so high on his potential that they have to this point squashed any suggestion that Wiggins could be traded to Cleveland for disgruntled all-star point guard Kyrie Irving.

Taylor did not comment on the Irving rumours on Monday.