Report: Andrew Wiggins Trade Hasn't Been Discussed by Warriors Despite Vaccine Stance

The Golden State Warriors are reportedly operating under the "belief" forward Andrew Wiggins will receive a COVID-19 vaccine before the start of the 2021-22 NBA season.

Anthony Slater reported Tuesday on The Athletic NBA Show podcast the Warriors don't think Wiggins is willing to forfeit half his $31.6 million salary, which would be the likely result of sitting out all of the team's home games after the NBA denied his petition for a religious exemption regarding the vaccine.

"He'll probably get it. If he doesn't, I think they'll readjust then, but I think they'd have time to do so," Slater said. "In no way—I have not heard anyone behind the scenes yet say, 'Oh, better start shopping him' or something like that."

Wiggins called his decision to remain unvaccinated a "private" matter and said he'll continue "fighting for what I believe" despite the external pressure.

"It's not uncomfortable," Wiggins told reporters Monday. "I'm confident in my beliefs and what I think is right, what I think is wrong. I'm just going to keep doing what I believe. Whether it's one thing or another, just going to keep doing it."

The 2015 NBA Rookie of the Year also responded to a question about the potential for lost salary if he sits out all games in arenas that require vaccination for large-scale events by saying, "It's my problem. Not yours."

Wiggins averaged 18.6 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.4 assists across 71 appearances for the Warriors during the 2020-21 campaign, which was his first full year in Golden State after being acquired from the Minnesota Timberwolves as part of a midseason trade in 2019-20.

He's expected to play a key role this year as the Dubs attempt to reemerge as a championship contender with Klay Thompson expected to return from a two-year absence because of ACL and Achilles injuries to join longtime teammates Stephen Curry and Draymond Green.

Along with the possible missed games, Wiggins could also face stricter protocols as an unvaccinated player.

The NBA hasn't mandated players receive the vaccine for the 2021-22 season, but it has proposed those without it be situated away from teammates in the locker room, sit separately on buses or planes and face a far more stringent coronavirus testing regiment, per ESPN's Brian Windhorst and Tim Bontemps.

Warriors head coach Steve Kerr, who said "I believe in the vaccine" during his Media Day session Monday, explained they'll "adapt" based on Wiggins' final decision and the NBA's guidelines.

"He's practicing. He looks great. He's in good spirits. His teammates love him. His coaches love him," Kerr told reporters. "We're happy that he's in the building, and we're all just working and getting ready for the season. We'll adapt accordingly."

Golden State tips off the regular season Oct. 19 when it visits the Los Angeles Lakers. Its first home game is set for Oct. 21 against the Los Angeles Clippers.