Andrew Wiggins will not be playing for Team Canada at the Paris Olympics this summer, as reported by Doug Smith. The Golden State Warriors have prevented his involvement, although the exact reason for this decision is not clear. There have been ongoing trade rumors involving Wiggins, and John Hollinger has suggested that there may be a medical issue, which was supported by Smith. Surprisingly, even though Wiggins had been cleared medically by Canada Basketball and was included on the training camp roster, the Warriors expressed concerns at the last minute regarding his ankle problems from the previous season.
Wiggins himself had previously expressed interest in playing for Team Canada, highlighting their success in qualifying for the Olympics last year. Despite his non-committal stance earlier, he mentioned his honor in representing his country and left the decision open. Wiggins, a former No. 1 overall pick and a prominent figure in Canadian basketball, has not played for his country since 2020. His absence was conspicuous in their victory over Team USA at the FIBA World Cup last summer, where they secured their spot in the upcoming Olympics, their first appearance since 2000.
After a disappointing season with the Warriors, where Wiggins saw a decline in his numbers and lost his starting position for a brief period, his future with the team is uncertain. The Warriors have been actively exploring trade options for him, according to reports from The Ringer. Despite his struggles, Wiggins remains an important player in Canadian basketball history and has the potential to contribute significantly to Team Canada’s success at the Olympics.