Andrew Wiggins would be an excellent addition for the Milwaukee Bucks. Even with Amir Coffey in play, they do not have a clear-cut, starting-caliber option at small forward. Wiggins is that and more as a solid two-way player who can create his own shot and do a little bit of everything.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein (subscription required), the Lakers are one team that could express interest in acquiring Wiggins, aligning with earlier reports that the Heat are open to unloading him. So far, nothing really concrete has happened, and Stein also said Miami is more inclined to do a deal during the season.
Well, if it gets to that point, a losing Heat team decides to sell, and a Lakers deal falls through, the Bucks have a package of their own on tap.
Bucks-Heat deal would hinge on several key factors
In addition to Stein's intel, Los Angeles reporter Jovan Buha of The Athletic revealed earlier this summer that the Heat initially requested a Lakers return package of Rui Hachimura, Dalton Knecht, and a first-round pick - whether protected or not was unspecified.
Understandably, the Lakers laughed at that steep of an asking price, and the Heat will probably have to lower it considerably to find a trade partner. By the trade deadline, Los Angeles may have moved on or simply be uninterested in parting with multiple rotation pieces on an already thin roster.
The Bucks' offer could look something like this: Kyle Kuzma, their 2031 first-rounder, and one of Taurean Prince or Gary Harris to make the salary exchange more equitable. In return, Milwaukee would get Wiggins, who averaged 18 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.6 assists between Golden State and Miami last year. In 60 games, he also earned 4.0 win shares.
Before Heat fans start scoffing - Kuzma for Wiggins? - there are a few things to consider. One, Milwaukee's first-round pick is among the most coveted on the market. In itself, the pick is a better asset than post-prime Wiggins with two years and a lot of money left under contract. What matters to the Milwaukee Bucks is competing in the present, which is why they could consider flipping it.
Second, if the Heat wait until midseason, don't have a deal done, and find themselves struggling, they'll lose leverage and won't be able to get as much from anyone. Advantage Bucks. A midseason trade also gives Kuzma a chance to rehabilitate his value. For talks to get off the ground, he'll have to look like a decent NBA player.
Unless Kuzma truly redefines himself, exchanging him for Wiggins, a 38-percent 3-point marksman since 2020-21, would make sense. More than ever, the Milwaukee Bucks need capable shooters around Giannis Antetokounmpo.
In any potential trade, including Prince or Harris would serve to ease the financial burden on the Bucks. Kuzma and Wiggins match up in years, but the latter will make about $6 million more next season. Obviously, the Bucks wouldrather give up Harris, who barely has a placein the rotation. Maybe Kuzma plays just well enough to satisfy Miami's impact contributor requirement, allowing the Bucks to keep Prince.
Alternatively, they could include Prince but throw some protections on the 2031 first-rounder. It goes without saying that there's no reason to do a deal at all if Kuzma becomes a valuable piece of Doc Rivers' scheme.
It's worth noting, too, that there is a flip side to the coin. Like Kuzma, Wiggins has to show up or he won't have trade value - he needs to play least as well as last year, preferably with better efficiency. The Bucks are not giving up a first-round pick for the shell-like Wiggins of 2023-24.
Depending on what kind of offers Miami receives, concern over a Wiggins regression is one thing that could motivate Pat Riley to do a deal before the season starts. From Milwaukee's perspective, a pre-season Wiggins deal is a risk they would have to take. Significantly, a two-for-one package would benefit both teams: the Bucks have too many players under contract, while the Heat have too few. As opening night ticks closer, that consideration is something to keep an eye on.