The Miami Heat continue to reshape their roster while keeping the salary cap in check. They recently sent Haywood Highsmith and a 2032 second-round pick to the Brooklyn Nets, receiving only a heavily protected pick in return. A pick that may never even be put to use. Miami went 37-45 last season, scraping into the Play-In Tournament as the 10th seed. They made history by becoming the first 10th seed to reach the playoffs, but the run couldn’t mask a disappointing year.
With Jimmy Butler already gone, the Heat want to avoid another wasted season. A trade built around Andrew Wiggins could give them the fresh direction they’re searching for.
Lakers Receive: Andrew Wiggins, 2026 first-round pick
Heat Receive: Austin Reaves, Jarred Vanderbilt, Dalton Knecht
This deal could reshape both franchises in different ways. Miami wants to invest in younger talent, while Los Angeles aims to add a reliable wing who complements its stars.
Why the Heat Might Trade Wiggins
The Heat face a tough choice with Andrew Wiggins, but the logic is clear. His contract runs two more years at $109 million, and moving him would clear valuable cap space for the 2026 offseason. Miami’s front office also wants to retool the roster around Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro. By bringing in Austin Reaves, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Dalton Knecht, they’d gain affordable, versatile players who keep the team competitive now and position them well for the future.
What Miami Gets in Return
Austin Reaves has emerged as one of the league’s most valuable young guards. He scores with craft, knocks down nearly 37% of his threes, and last season put up 15.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game. His ability to thrive both on and off the ball fits Miami’s system perfectly. When injuries forced him into a bigger role, he delivered near All-Star production and proved he can shine in pressure moments.
Dalton Knecht enters his second NBA season with serious scoring upside.
At Tennessee, he earned SEC Player of the Year and consensus All-American honors, and he wasted no time making an NBA statement, dropping 37 points and tying a rookie record for threes in his first season with the Lakers. While defense remains his weak spot, his scoring punch could give Miami an immediate offensive spark.
Jarred Vanderbilt makes his mark on defense with the versatility to guard multiple positions and lock down the perimeter. Injuries and limited offensive skills have slowed his progress, but his energy and defensive presence would give Miami valuable stability off the bench.
Why the Lakers Should Target Wiggins
Wiggins carries the reputation of a proven winner, built on championship experience and a track record in high-pressure games. He played a crucial role in Golden State’s 2022 championship run and even secured an All-Star starting spot that same season. Offensively, he scores with efficiency and balance, consistently putting up 16 to 18 points per game while hitting over 40 percent from three and nearly 57 percent in true shooting.
On the other end, he anchors the perimeter with his defense, regularly drawing the assignment of guarding the opponent’s top scorer and delivering as one of the league’s most dependable wing stoppers.
Perfect Fit Alongside Luka and LeBron
The Lakers built their roster around Luka Doncic and LeBron James, two stars who dominate the ball. Wiggins fits because he doesn’t need heavy touches to impact the game. He defends the perimeter, knocks down open threes, and attacks mismatches when the opportunity comes. He also lightens LeBron’s defensive load, preserving his legs for the postseason.
As a veteran, Wiggins brings stability without ego. For a Lakers team chasing another championship, his mix of talent, professionalism, and playoff experience makes him an ideal fit. From Miami’s side, the deal signals a shift toward a younger, cost-controlled core while keeping the door open for future flexibility in 2026.
Doncic’s success will ultimately shape how far the Lakers go, and fans already expect him to deliver MVP-level production. Adding Wiggins strengthens that foundation and gives LA a crucial edge in a loaded Western Conference. If the Lakers want to maximize both LeBron’s final years and Luka’s prime, Wiggins could be the difference-maker.
