The Los Angeles Lakers have made it no secret they’re looking to upgrade their roster this offseason, and Andrew Wiggins has emerged as a prime trade target. However, acquiring the 2022 NBA champion might be more complicated and costly than expected.
According to Lakers insider Jovan Buha, the Miami Heat, who currently hold Wiggins’ contract after a separate deal with the Warriors, have set a steep asking price. The Heat are reportedly demanding Dalton Knecht, Rui Hachimura, and a future first-round pick in exchange for the 30-year-old Canadian forward.
For the Lakers, who are desperately trying to reshape their supporting cast around LeBron James and Luka Doncic, the question now becomes: Is Andrew Wiggins worth this price?
Wiggins put up respectable numbers last season, averaging 18.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.6 assists, shooting 44.8% from the field and a solid 37.4% from three.
Despite some inconsistency and durability concerns, he remains a capable two-way player with playoff experience and defensive versatility, a rare combination for wings in today’s NBA. His ability to guard multiple positions and contribute offensively without dominating the ball makes him a logical fit next to LeBron and Luka.
However, the Heat’s asking price complicates things. Rui Hachimura, at 26, averaged 13.1 points and 5.0 rebounds while shooting 50.9% from the floor and 41.3% from deep better shooting efficiency than Wiggins. Hachimura has also shown clear chemistry with LeBron, especially during the Lakers’ 2023 playoff run.
Giving him up, along with the Lakers’ most promising rookie in Dalton Knecht, who shot 37.6% from beyond the arc and a valuable first-round pick, is no small price.
From the Lakers’ perspective, this feels like a steep overpay. Wiggins’ salary is also a sticking point: he’s due $30.1 million for the 2026–27 season if he opts in. That’s a massive cap hit for a role player, especially when the Lakers are already navigating apron restrictions after the Anthony Davis trade to Dallas.
On the other hand, if the Lakers truly believe they’re one piece away, Wiggins might be that missing puzzle. NBA insider Jovan Buha believes the Lakers see Wiggins as an “ideal fit” in the frontcourt, addressing both perimeter defense and scoring depth.
With Jarred Vanderbilt’s future uncertain and Dorian Finney-Smith signing with the Rockets, Wiggins could be their last realistic shot at acquiring a high-level two-way wing this summer.
Still, giving up Knecht who has drawn praise for his scoring instincts and athleticism along with Rui and a first is a gamble. If Wiggins fails to mesh or regresses, it’s a trade that could haunt the Lakers for years.
At present, talks are ongoing. No deal is imminent, but the Lakers have made their interest known. The Heat, as always, are playing hardball. And with LeBron James wanting to compete now, the pressure is on Rob Pelinka to strike the right balance between urgency and overreach.
For now, Wiggins remains a possibility. But at this asking price, the Lakers must decide: is the potential reward worth the long-term cost?
