The Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat have reportedly reopened trade talks involving Andrew Wiggins, with Dalton Knecht included in the potential package. NBA insider Evan Sidery Sidery noted that before training camp, the Lakers were open to including the No. 17 pick from the 2024 NBA Draft, Dalton Knecht, in a deal. In addition, the Miami Heat were said to be pushing for a future first-round pick to be part of the package.
For the Lakers, the offseason’s top priority was already secured by locking superstar Luka Doncic to a long-term deal. With that piece in place, the front office is now focused on surrounding Doncic with additional scoring options and reliable defenders. Andrew Wiggins appears to fit both needs. He averaged 18 points per game across 60 contests last season, while also providing defensive balance that could take pressure off Doncic.
Although LeBron James continues to perform at a high level, the Lakers know their window with him is limited. Pairing Luka Doncic with another proven scorer like Andrew Wiggins could give the franchise the best chance to maximize that time.
Heat Seek Fresh Direction After Early Playoff Exit
The Miami Heat, meanwhile, are coming off a first-round sweep last season. Following the Jimmy Butler trade saga, the team is reportedly seeking long-term stability through young talent and future draft capital.
Dalton Knecht, a 24-year-old rookie, could represent part of that future. He averaged 9.1 points per game last year while shooting with a 57.6 effective field goal percentage in limited minutes.
Andrew Wiggins himself made a strong impression in Miami, producing 19 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and a block per game in 17 appearances, while maintaining 53 percent efficiency from the field. For the Lakers, the key question is whether Knecht’s upside and a valuable draft pick are worth trading for a 30-year-old scorer. For Miami, the decision comes down to whether moving Andrew Wiggins again is the right way to reset the roster’s long-term direction.
