Andrew Wiggins is delighted to be able to call LeBron James a team-mate but his arrival in Cleveland could signal the departure of the No1 draft pick.
With Cleveland now legitimate contenders in the Eastern Conference, the Cavs could look to use Wiggins as a trading chip to entice the Minnesota Timberwolves to depart with star forward Kevin Love.
Love has informed Minnesota that he will not ink an extension or re-sign as a free agent next summer, all but forcing the Timberwolves to trade him this summer and acquire assets before he leaves on his own accord.
According to reports, Love is “intrigued” by the opportunity to play alongside James and CBSSports claim Cleveland will make Wiggins available in a deal for Love.
However, Wiggins’ camp are said to feel secure over his future in Ohio, and doesn’t believe the small forward will be shipped to Minnesota for Love.
With rumours swirling, Wiggins took to the court for his first game as a professional in the Las Vegas Summer League on Friday. Up against the Milwaukee Bucks and Jabari Parker, who was taken second in the 2014 draft, Wiggins scored a game-high 18 points in a 70-68 Cavs victory.
Wiggins said of LeBron following the win: “I was happy, the best player in the game today is coming to your team, that’s just gonna be a great learning experience for everyone. He works hard; I know he’s a hard worker, unselfish, so hopefully he takes all of us under his wing and teaches us what it takes to get to his level.
“I think my game style matches his style. I can play with anybody. I don’t think I have to change my game for anybody.”