Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: Andrew Wiggins, Nikola Jovic, 2029 First-Round Pick (MIA), 2031 First-Round Pick (MIA)
Miami Heat Receive: James Harden
Pat Riley doesn’t wait around; after Miami got knocked out early in 2025 after an ugly Jimmy Butler situation, he’ll be itching for more star power. Harden in Heat culture? It sounds weird at first, but Miami desperately needs a primary playmaker to ease the burden off Tyler Herro. Harden, even at 35, can give you 20 points and 8-10 assists a night and could help unlock Bam Adebayo’s offense more consistently. And let’s face it, Riley has never been shy about going after big names, even if they come with baggage.
For the Clippers, getting Andrew Wiggins gives them a proven wing defender who, while coming off a midseason trade (18.0 PPG, 4.5 RPG), still has value as a secondary scorer and versatile stopper. Nikola Jovic has shown flashes this season (10.7 PPG, 3.9 RPG), and at 6’10”, with perimeter skills, he’s the kind of developmental piece the Clippers sorely lack.
Add in a first and second-round pick, and this is solid value for a Harden sign-and-trade. Plus, Wiggins fits better next to Kawhi Leonard and Norman Powell defensively, giving L.A. a stronger perimeter defense while shedding Harden’s ball-dominant style.
This is the kind of trade that lets the Clippers stay competitive now while giving them a path to pivot later. And for Harden? South Beach offers sunshine, no state tax, and the chance to play for a contender with a championship pedigree, even if it means adjusting to the infamous Heat conditioning tests.
