Andrew Wiggins started the 2024–25 season with the Warriors and finished it with the Heat, showing flashes of his two-way game along the way. He averaged 18 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.6 assists while shooting 44.8% from the floor. After landing in Miami through the Jimmy Butler trade, he saw a slight uptick putting up 19 points, 4.2 boards, 3.3 assists, and 1.2 steals per game on improved efficiency (45.8% FG, 36% from deep) across 17 outings.
But here’s the issue: Wiggins wasn’t consistent. He looked like a difference-maker in games like his 20-8-8 performance against the Hawks, but also vanished when it mattered. In the Heat’s playoff loss to the Cavaliers, he managed just 12 points and 5 rebounds in 22 minutes. The numbers are fine, but he hasn’t proven dependable when it counts.
Andrew Wiggins Proposed Trade Idea
Lakers Receive: Andrew Wiggins
Heat Receive: Rui Hachimura, Dalton Knecht
Miami’s Dilemma
Miami traded for Wiggins midway through the season, expecting him to help cover for Butler’s absence. He’s done an okay job, but okay doesn’t shift the balance in the East. Both LA teams have shown interest, but none of the offers have stood out. Still, there’s one potential trade that might actually benefit both sides.
Why This Works for the Lakers
The Lakers boast a trio of Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves, but they still lack a reliable two-way wing who can defend the perimeter and consistently hit threes. That’s where Wiggins fits in.
He may not be the same player who helped the Warriors win it all in 2022, but he can still play a vital role. He lightens James’ defensive load, knocks down open looks, and complements high-usage stars. His $28.2 million salary isn’t ideal, but for a team already deep into the luxury tax, it’s a gamble that makes sense. Let’s be clear this team is built to win now. With James and Doncic on the floor, there’s no room for half-hearted moves. Wiggins would likely take over the small forward spot, allowing James to shift to the four and preserve his energy for bigger moments.
What Miami Gets in Return
The Heat aren’t treating this like a throwaway deal. Rui Hachimura might not carry Andrew Wiggins’ name value, but his production tells a different story. He put up 13.1 points and 5.0 rebounds per game while shooting 50.9% from the field and 41.3% from deep, some of the most efficient numbers among forwards. Plus, he’s on an expiring $18.2 million contract, which gives Miami financial flexibility going forward.
Dalton Knecht adds intrigue. The rookie is already making an impact off the bench, averaging 9.1 points on 46.1% shooting. His development looks encouraging, and with Miami’s track record of grooming young talent, he could break out even faster.
The Bigger Picture
This trade isn’t just a player swap, it’s about timing. The Lakers backed themselves into a corner. They brought in Doncic, made ownership changes without looping in James, and didn’t offer him an extension. Everything they’ve done suggests they’re trying to walk a tightrope win now while setting up for life after LeBron.
So they need real contributors who won’t cost them Reaves, Bronny, or future firsts. Wiggins isn’t a game-changer, but he’s better than most options available within those limits. Miami, on the other hand, needs to pivot with purpose. Wiggins hasn’t been bad, but he doesn’t move the needle for them. Hachimura offers a cheaper, system-friendly alternative, and Knecht brings youth and shooting.
This deal won’t grab headlines, but it quietly solves problems for both teams. The Lakers finally get the two-way wing they’ve been missing. The Heat get two younger, useful pieces and more financial flexibility. If Miami truly wants to rework the roster around Bam and Herro, this is the kind of smart, practical trade that gets them there.
