Tyler Herro, Andrew Wiggins, Kyle Anderson, Heat
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Miami Heat stars Tyler Herro and Andrew Wiggins and former Heat forward Kyle Anderson react against the Chicago Bulls during the second half of an NBA play-in tournament game.
The Miami Heat are keeping Andrew Wiggins, but the Los Angeles Lakers are still holding out hope with a patient, wait-and-see approach, according to Anthony Irwin of ClutchPoints.
Irwin reported on the Sept. 8 episode of his Lakers Lounge podcast that initial trade discussions broke down because Miami demanded a package too costly for the Lakers. The Heat sought Rui Hachimura, its former guard Gabe Vincent, a first-round pick, and potentially Dalton Knecht for the former No. 1 overall pick, according to Irwin.
“These talks kind of broke down when Miami also pushed for a first-round pick for [Wiggins],” Irwin said. “It reminds me of Brooklyn with Dorian Finney-Smith a year ago… by the regular season, the price dropped further and further until the Lakers were able to get Dorian for D’Angelo Russell’s expiring contract.”
Andrew Wiggins, Heat
Getty Andrew Wiggins of the Miami Heat controls the ball against Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics.
Irwin noted, however, a striking difference: Wiggins’ value remains higher than Finney-Smith’s.
“Wiggins is a better player at this stage of his career than Dorian,” Irwin said. “So the price for him is higher than D’Angelo Russell’s expiring contract and some second-round draft capital. But I do believe by December or January, let alone the trade deadline, his name will pop back up and the price will have dropped to a point where the Lakers are more comfortable.”
While the Lakers hope patience will eventually lower the cost, the Heat’s strategy has been deliberate: retain the coveted wing and hold out for the right price.
Miami Herald reporters Anthony Chiang and Barry Jackson reported that the franchise intends to keep Wiggins in South Beach, with Jackson noting that nothing offered so far has been “enticing.”
Wiggins’ Mixed Performance Since Trade
Wiggins, acquired from Golden State in the Jimmy Butler trade, averaged 19.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.0 blocks in 17 regular-season games. However, his output fell during Miami’s 4-0 first-round sweep by the Cleveland Cavaliers, averaging just 11.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists — a dip that may have factored into trade discussions.
Despite the playoff struggles, Wiggins impressed Miami with his offseason preparation.
Greg Sylvander of Five Reasons Sports reported that the wing has impressed the Heat management with his offseason preparation.
“Also, sounds like Andrew Wiggins has had a great summer with the Heat, who have been impressed with how much time he has spent around team facilities,” Sylvander wrote on Discord.
Financial and Roster Considerations
Wiggins, 30, is under contract for two more seasons, including a $30.2 million player option for 2026-27. His future is further complicated by upcoming extension decisions on All-Star Tyler Herro and newly acquired Norman Powell, which could impact Miami’s payroll flexibility.
The Lakers, on the other hand, are leveraging patience as a negotiating tool. By waiting, they hope the Heat may reduce their asking price closer to the trade deadline, mirroring last year’s approach with Finney-Smith. Los Angeles also aims to preserve key assets such as Hachimura and its first-round pick, limiting what it can offer in any potential deal.
Two-Way Wing Still Coveted
Marc Stein of The Stein Line newsletter confirmed that Wiggins remains a prime target for the Lakers following Luka Dončić’s long-term commitment.
“League sources say L.A. would indeed have interest in adding a two-way swingman who can raise their ceiling,” Stein wrote.
Jovan Buha of Buha’s Block echoed the sentiment, noting that Wiggins’ versatility could elevate the Lakers into the Western Conference’s elite tier.
“With the right move, the Lakers can vault themselves into Tier 1 and have a legit chance to win a championship,” Buha said.
Strategic Standoff
Pat Riley, Miami Heat
Getty Images Miami Heat president Pat Riley walks off after a Miami Heat game.
The Heat’s firm stance highlights a clash of approaches: Miami is protecting its core and holding out for more, while the Lakers are waiting for a market adjustment that makes Wiggins attainable without sacrificing key pieces. How long the Lakers will wait — and whether the Heat will adjust in their demands — will shape the potential for a blockbuster deal in the coming months.
If Wiggins gets off to a great start this season, it will only increase the Heat’s leverage. But if he underwhelms, then Pat Riley and his front office will have a difficult decision ahead.