After signing a huge $150 million extension with the Minnesota Timberwolves last summer, Andrew Wiggins posted his worst numbers since his rookie season and didn't immediately justify the team's expensive decision.

The T-Wolves expected to see a vast improvement from the youngster and wanted to see him elevate his game to silence the doubters who had questioned his new contract.

But Wiggins struggled to assert himself this year and his numbers dropped to 17.7 points on 43 percent shooting and 33.1 from beyond the arc.

In contrast, he posted a career-high 23.6 points on 45.2 percent from the field and 35.6 from downtown.

Sharing the stage

It's hard to point to one specific reason for his drop off but there's no doubt that the arrival of Jimmy Butler did have a negative effect on him.

Prior to the Timberwolves acquiring the veteran from the Chicago Bulls, Wiggins saw more of the ball and was one of the focal points of the team's offence.

He found it difficult having to share that load with Butler and it affected his play on both ends of the floor.

Despite the team making its first playoff appearance in more than a decade and ending the league's longest drought, it appears not everything is rosy in the Minnesota camp and it maybe comes as no surprise that the two players didn't always see eye to eye.

According to Sean Deveney of the Sporting News, Butler "had problems" with Wiggins' work ethic and lackadaisical defence. Head coach Tom Thibodeau also reportedly had similar issues with Wiggins.

Deveney also reported that Butler is "uncertain" about Wiggins and this relationship could impact his future with the franchise.

Future decision

The 28-year-old can become a free agent in 2019 and it's unclear if he's willing to sign a long-term extension to stay in Minneapolis.

Despite the struggles of Wiggins, the arrival of the former Bulls guard proved to have the desired effect for the Timberwolves as he was an influential figure.

Before a knee injury ruled him out for several months, Minnesota occupied the number four spot in the west.

But his absence saw them fall off and they only secured a postseason berth with a win in the final game of the regular season when they had Butler back in the lineup.

He became a real leader both on and off the floor and was their best two-way player. But his presence hurt Wiggins and it'll be down to Thibodeau to find a way to accommodate the duo.

They have enough talent to co-exist but they'll have to put their egos aside to be successful on the floor together.

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