Andrew Wiggins, Heat
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Donovan Mitchell of the Cleveland Cavaliers guards Andrew Wiggins of the Miami Heat.
The Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers have reopened discussions on a potential trade involving wing Andrew Wiggins, according to Forbes’ Evan Sidery. The talks come as both teams prepare for training camp and evaluate their roster needs.
“Los Angeles is very open to moving former first-round pick Dalton Knecht alongside the necessary expiring salary. Miami wants a future first-round pick attached in the package,” Sidery reported on X Saturday.
The Heat acquired Wiggins from the Golden State Warriors last season in the Jimmy Butler trade, hoping his two-way ability would strengthen their championship aspirations. Wiggins averaged 19.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.0 blocks in 17 regular-season games for Miami. However, his production fell sharply during the Heat’s first-round playoff sweep by the Cleveland Cavaliers, dropping to 11.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game.
Lakers’ Interest Rises After Dončić Extension
The renewed trade talks follow NBA insider Marc Stein’s report identifying Wiggins as a target for the Lakers after Luka Dončić signed a long-term extension with Los Angeles.
“League sources say L.A. would indeed have interest in adding a two-way swingman who can raise their ceiling,” Stein wrote in his The Stein Line newsletter on Sept. 8. “The sort of player who is likely to interest the Lakers? My read (if Miami were to make him available): Andrew Wiggins.”
The Lakers had previously explored a trade involving Wiggins and Rui Hachimura, but they balked at the Heat’s steep price.
“One story and the one that I heard more directly, was that the Miami Heat were asking for Rui Hachimura,” Irwin said on his podcast, The Lakers Lounge. “They were asking for a first-round pick. They were asking for Gabe Vincent, whom they like, and potentially also Dalton Knecht. The Lakers, I think, would be fine moving on from Dalton for Wiggins. They would obviously also be fine moving on from Gabe Vincent for Andrew Wiggins.
“And I also think they would probably be mostly fine moving off of Rui Hachimura for Andrew Wiggins, but they definitely did not want to include Rui and the one first-round pick that they can move this season. And so that was where again I heard directly that those talks kind of broke down.”
Heat Maintain Leverage
Andrew Wiggins, Miami Heat
GettyAndrew Wiggins of the Miami Heat.
For the Heat, Wiggins remains a valuable asset under contract for two more seasons, with a $30.2 million player option for 2026–27. But the franchise must also navigate upcoming extension decisions for All-Star Tyler Herro and recently acquired Norman Powell, which complicates Wiggins’ future in South Beach.
Offseason Preparation Impresses Heat
Despite the playoff struggles, Wiggins has drawn praise for his offseason dedication. Greg Sylvander of Five Reasons Sports reported that Heat officials have been impressed with the time Wiggins has spent at team facilities preparing for the new season.
“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.
Wiggins’ preparation, combined with his versatility on both ends of the floor, underscores why Miami might prefer to retain him rather than rush a trade.
As training camp approaches, Heat fans can watch closely. The Lakers remain interested but are constrained by limited trade assets. Any move involving Wiggins will reflect Miami’s balancing act: maintaining next season’s expectations, salary flexibility, and maximizing the value of one of the league’s top two-way wings.