The Los Angeles Lakers are poised to make a seismic splash in the NBA, with reports indicating they have reignited trade talks with the Miami Heat to acquire Andrew Wiggins, the former Golden State Warriors wing who played a pivotal role in their 2022 NBA championship run. According to Forbes’ Evan Sidery, the Heat are holding firm on their demand for at least one first-round pick in exchange for Wiggins, widely regarded as one of the league’s premier two-way wings. As training camp looms, the Lakers appear ready to shake up their roster in a move that could redefine their championship aspirations.
Sidery reported on X that the Lakers and Heat have reopened discussions for a potential Wiggins trade. “Los Angeles is very open to moving former first-round pick Dalton Knecht alongside necessary expiring salary,” Sidery noted. “Miami wants a future first-round pick attached in the package.” This renewed interest follows earlier negotiations that stalled due to Miami’s steep asking price, which included Rui Hachimura, Dalton Knecht, and a first-round pick, as reported by The Athletic’s Jovan Buha.
At the time, Buha described the proposed deal as “not realistic,” suggesting that Miami was playing hardball. However, Clutch Points’ Anthony Irwin provided insight into why the talks initially faltered. On the September 8 episode of The Lakers Lounge podcast, Irwin revealed that the Heat were pushing for a package including Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, a first-round pick, and potentially Knecht. “The Lakers would probably be fine moving off Dalton or Vincent for Wiggins, and maybe even Rui,” Irwin explained, “but they definitely did not want to include Rui and the first-round pick together. That’s where the talks broke down.”
To navigate this high-stakes negotiation, Bleacher Report’s NBA salary-cap expert Eric Pincus proposed a three-team trade involving the Lakers, Heat, and Brooklyn Nets that could satisfy all parties. The proposed deal breaks down as follows:
-
Lakers receive: Andrew Wiggins, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Drew Timme
-
Heat receive: Rui Hachimura, Dalton Knecht
-
Nets receive: Maxi Kleber, 2026 second-round pick, cash
This trade would bring Wiggins, a proven playoff performer, back to a championship-contending roster. Pincus highlighted why Wiggins, at 30 years old and 6’7″, would be a significant upgrade for the Lakers. “From a basketball perspective, [Wiggins] would step in as the team’s best perimeter defender,” Pincus wrote. “He’d fill the role left by the departure of Dorian Finney-Smith.” Wiggins’ ability to guard multiple positions and contribute offensively makes him a perfect fit alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
In contrast, Hachimura, while effective against bigger players like Nikola Jokić, lacks the mobility to consistently defend quicker guards and wings. Wiggins’ versatility could provide the Lakers with the defensive edge they’ve been missing, particularly after their playoff struggles against teams like the Denver Nuggets.
For Miami, moving Wiggins—who holds a $30.1 million player option for the 2025-26 season—would provide significant financial flexibility. Pincus noted that shedding Wiggins’ contract would clear $30.1 million from the Heat’s books, positioning them well below the luxury tax threshold. This would allow Miami to re-sign players like Precious Achiuwa and pursue additional roster moves, with approximately $9.3 million in cap space below the tax line.
In return, the Heat would acquire Hachimura, a versatile forward with scoring ability, and Knecht, a promising young talent. While losing Wiggins would be a blow to their wing depth, the trade would give Miami the assets and flexibility to reshape their roster for the future.
Acquiring Wiggins could be a game-changer for the Lakers, who are under pressure to maximize the championship window of LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Wiggins’ championship pedigree, defensive prowess, and ability to contribute on both ends of the floor make him an ideal addition to a team looking to compete with the NBA’s elite. His experience as the Warriors’ best defender during their 2022 title run underscores his value in high-stakes playoff matchups.
As the Lakers weigh the cost of parting with young talent like Knecht and a first-round pick, the potential to land a player of Wiggins’ caliber could prove too enticing to pass up. If this deal comes to fruition, it could send shockwaves through the NBA, signaling LA’s intent to reclaim their place among the league’s contenders.
With training camp approaching, all eyes will be on the Lakers and Heat as they navigate these high-stakes negotiations. Will Los Angeles meet Miami’s asking price, or will the Heat soften their stance? One thing is certain: a deal for Wiggins could reshape the Western Conference and position the Lakers as a legitimate threat in the 2025-26 season.