🔥 Lakers Make a Move: Wiggins in the Crosshairs
1. Lakers actively exploring deal
The Los Angeles Lakers have “checked in” with the Miami Heat to assess Andrew Wiggins’s availability and potential cost, tapping into their long-standing connection with Heat president Pat Riley .
2. Trade discussions are heating up
Sources confirm that conversations have progressed beyond casual inquiries—“actual trade talks” are underway .
3. Proposed framework: Wiggins for Hachimura + expirings
A leading proposal would send Rui Hachimura—whose salary is expiring—along with a couple of additional expiring contracts (like Dalton Knecht or Kyle Anderson) to the Heat in exchange for Wiggins .
4. Why Lakers want Wiggins
At 30, Wiggins brings championship experience, strong two-way performance (18 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 37% 3PT last year), and would fit perfectly alongside LeBron and Luka in the wing rotation .
5. Value & complications
Wiggins carries a hefty $28 million salary with a $30 million team option in 2026–27. The Heat are reportedly looking to clear cap space for 2026, making him a likely trade candidate .
6. No slam-dunk yet
Despite momentum, no deal is close to completion. NBA insiders emphasize both sides remain in active negotiation .
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🏀 What This Means for the Lakers
LeBron + Luka need reliable role players; Wiggins fills a defensive/scoring wing role.
Roster impact: Adding Wiggins improves depth, but fronts like center are still a concern.
Cap considerations: Using expiring contracts limits long-term risk while preserving flexibility.
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đź‘Ť Bottom Line
Lakers want Wiggins as a key piece to solidify their championship window. Miami, aiming for cap flexibility in 2026, may oblige—but balancing contracts, picks, and core players (like Hachimura) means negotiations will be detailed and cautious. It’s a compelling storyline worth watching as the offseason unfolds.
