The Los Angeles Lakers made the biggest move of the 2024-2025 (and arguably one of the biggest and most surprising moves of all time) when they dealt future Hall-of-Fame big man Anthony David to the Dallas Mavericks for superstar guard Luka Dončić.
The Mavs have been heavily criticized for the move, while the Lakers have been highly lauded for the acquisition.
However, it hasn’t quite paid off yet — the Lakers were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves. It’s clear the Lakers need more help for Dončić and LeBron James, and that could come in the form of a former No. 1 overall pick.
Los Angeles Lakers Discussing Deal for Andrew Wiggins
Per Barry Jackson, the Miami Heat have made Andrew Wiggins available and are exploring trades for him.
According to a report from Clutch Sports, the Lakers and Miami Heat are discussing a potential deal involving Andrew Wiggins.
“The Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat have maintained further negotiations on a trade involving Andrew Wiggins, according to sources with knowledge of the situation, speaking on the condition of anonymity,” reports Clutch Sports. “The Heat would be looking to land Rui Hachimura and his expiring contract, plus further expiring money to match salaries.”
“After reporting the Lakers checked in with the Heat about Wiggins’ price, sources tell ClutchPoints that trade talks have advanced to the next step, though nothing is considered imminent as of right now,” the report says. “ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel previously reported Miami has made Wiggins very available so far this summer and has maintained that stance.”
For the Lakers, adding Wiggins as a third option makes a ton of sense and could complement Dončić and James well. Wiggins averaged 18.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.0 steals per game last season while shooting 44.8% from the floor, 37.4% from beyond the arc and 76.3% from the charity stripe.
From the Heat perspective, dealing Wiggins for expiring contracts could pave the way for them to have max cap space next summer when several big names including Dončić, Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (who will be a restricted free agent and will likely sign a giant extension in Orlando), Memphis Grizzlies big man Jaren Jackson, Jr. and two members of the reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder – Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren (who are in the same situation as Banchero), newly acquired forward Kevin Durant of the Houston Rockets, Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (player option) are all set to become free agents.
“Removing his [Wiggins] $30 million player option for 2026-27 from Miami’s books, and replacing it with expiring contracts, would give Miami $45 million in cap space in the summer of 2026, with the ability to create more,” reports Jackson.
Without a first-round pick, the Lakers may have to get creative to pull off any major deals. Lakers Lounge podcast host Anthony Irwin, the deal would likely involve players with expiring contracts — forward Rui Hachimura and either Maxi Kleber or Gabe Vincent. Dalton Knecht, the 17th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, has also seen his name thrown around in trade rumors.
It will be interesting to see what the Lakers and Heat accomplish this offseason, as one appears to be preparing for another championship run, while the other seems focused on next summer.
