The upcoming season holds promise for several teams. The Los Angeles Lakers have relevant roster adjustments, seeing them emerge as a more competitive team in the West. The Miami Heat completed a solid trade to acquire Norman Powell, helping them boost their overall roster strength. Meanwhile, teams like the Golden State Warriors enter camp facing uncertainty.
The Warriors were engaged in an offseason saga involving contract negotiations with 22-year-old forward Jonathan Kuminga. The sheer duration of these discussions and the lack of resolution have also prevented Golden State from completing its pending deals.
With training camp around the corner, all of the teams mentioned above could look to make minor adjustments to solidify their roster. On this note, we explore a trade proposal that would help each team make the most of the current situation.
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Andrew Wiggins
Miami Heat Receive: Jonathan Kuminga
Golden State Warriors Receive: Jaime Jaquez Jr., Rui Hachimura, 2029 first-round pick
This trade proposal allows each team to complete a move that could change their outlook towards the season. With this in mind, we analyze the impact this deal has on each team involved.
The Lakers Should Acquire Wiggins
The Los Angeles Lakers have been linked to acquiring Andrew Wiggins for the better part of this summer. Although the trade rumors eventually died down due to Miami's high asking price for the forward, the Purple and Gold would benefit from pursuing him all the same.
Wiggins is one of the best two-way wing players in the league today. At 30, with his championship pedigree, there are very few players who could be as effective in the same role.
For the 2024-25 season, the forward was solid during his stint with the Warriors early in the season. Since being traded to Miami, however, Wiggins notched an increase in productivity, as he averaged 19.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game.
The 30-year-old has widely been considered an ideal fit for the Lakers. His defensive instincts on the perimeter, his athleticism, and his versatility on offense are all traits that would pair well with Luka Doncic and LeBron James in the starting lineup.
Wiggins is also in the final year of his contract. Los Angeles may see value in this, as it aligns with their plans to keep cap space free for the summer of 2026.
Overall, acquiring Wiggins could be deemed a net positive. With a versatile two-way wing being injected into the starting lineup, the Purple and Gold would have all the necessary tools to contend for the title.
The Heat Can Sign Their Third Star
The potential trade rumors surrounding Jonathan Kuminga have seen the forward linked with several teams. While many also present an interesting opportunity for him to develop into a star-caliber player, the Miami Heat could potentially be the most appropriate one.
Given Miami's roster moves this offseason, the Heat are geared to feature a significantly younger core. With talented players on the roster, Kuminga could be part of a project that could see Miami transform into a powerhouse capable of competing for years to come.
At 22 years old, the Warriors forward fits Miami's timeline, especially with young stars like Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro leading the team.
Last season, the 22-year-old notched an average of 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists, while shooting 45.4% from the field and 30.5% from three-point range. Given the limited opportunities he received to be effective on offense, it is clear that Kuminga could be more productive in a more relevant role.
In this regard, a move to Miami may require the young forward to be patient. With Herro and Adebayo ahead of him, Kuminga may remain a tertiary scoring option. But under Spoelstra's guidance, while cultivating his gifts, he would certainly develop into a more complete player capable of shouldering the offense.
This deal is more of an investment on Miami's behalf. With time on their side, the Heat could look at retooling around their young core, eventually gearing up to make a legitimate title charge.
The Warriors Round Out Their Roster
This trade is crucial for the Golden State Warriors. While there has been a marked preference for retaining Kuminga among the ownership, the events of the offseason would indicate serious problems in the locker room if the forward remains.
Trading the 22-year-old could be in the team's best interests, as it allows them to gain something of value in return. In this context, acquiring two capable wings would be a major upgrade.
Rui Hachimura has positioned himself as an extremely reliable forward. He is a solid two-way player, showcasing versatile offensive skills and noteworthy switchability on defense.
Although Hachimura lacks elite lateral quickness, his innate strength and positioning allow him to defend much larger players. For the Warriors, his defensive upside will be vital, especially given their typically shorter rotation.
The Dubs would also benefit from his efficiency on offense as a perimeter threat and midrange scorer. His averages of 13.1 points and 5.0 rebounds per game, while shooting 50.9% from the field and 41.3% from three-point range, from last season prove to be solid.
Meanwhile, acquiring another young wing player like Jaime Jaquez Jr. could also prove to be beneficial. The Heat have been heavily involved in the 24-year-old's development. With great expectations of him to emerge as a key role player, the Dubs could aim to nurture his development, too.
Jaquez Jr. possesses an impressive offensive skill set, presenting the possibility of becoming a three-level scorer. While his athleticism isn't outstanding, he prioritizes footwork and elite shot-making ability to contribute.
The Heat forward saw a dip in performance last season, as he averaged 8.6 points and 4.4 rebounds per game, while shooting 46.1% overall and 31.1% from beyond the arc. This could be attributed to a sophomore slump. Still, the guard is expected to bounce back stronger, which could be useful in strengthening the Warriors' bench rotation.
A deal like this would effectively allow the Dubs to expand their wing depth while simultaneously building their roster strength. Additionally, with the Kuminga situation dealt with, the Warriors would be able to complete their pending signings, asserting their status as competitors again.
Kuminga Likely To Return
As intriguing as this trade proposal appears to be on paper, it hinges on Kuminga's eventual decision. With reports suggesting that the forward is inclined to accept the qualifying offer, the Warriors would see their young star return to the team for one more season.
This outcome would shut the door on this deal for the Lakers and the Heat. Regardless, both teams could always explore other trades and signings midway through the season to make the appropriate tweaks.
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