Heat Reportedly Want Lakers' Knecht, Rui, 1st-Round Draft Pick in Wiggins Trade
If the Los Angeles Lakers hope to acquire Andrew Wiggins in a trade, the Miami Heat are going to make them pay a steep price.
Per NBA insider Jovan Buha, the Heat would want a package of Dalton Knecht, Rui Hachimura and a first-round draft pick from the Lakers in exchange for Wiggins.
That's not dissimilar to the package the Lakers were willing to give up for Mark Williams prior to the trade deadline in February.
The Lakers originally agreed to send Knecht, Cam Reddish, a 2030 pick swap and a 2031 first-round pick to the Charlotte Hornets, but they rescinded the deal after their medical staff reportedly raised questions with Williams' physical.
This would be a high cost for Wiggins, who has had long stretches of quality play throughout his career. The 30-year-old was an essential contributor for the Golden State Warriors during the 2021-22 season that ended with a victory in the NBA Finals.
Wiggins was named to the All-Star team that season. He has been a steady performer over the past five seasons, averaging 16.8 points on 46.4 percent shooting (38.1 percent from three) and 4.6 rebounds per game during that span.
Coming off a 37-45 record last season, the Heat definitely seem open to reshaping their roster. They reportedly included Wiggins in their offers to the Phoenix Suns for Kevin Durant before Durant was dealt to the Houston Rockets.
Another potential stumbling block for any team that wants to acquire Wiggins is his contract. He is owed $28.2 million next season and has a $30.2 million player option for 2026-27. The option isn't an insignificant sum of money, particularly as some teams have made moves this season to either avoid or get out of the second apron.
Jarred Vanderbilt is currently the only Lakers player with a guaranteed contract for 2026-27. Luka Dončić, who has a $49 million player option for 2026-27, is eligible to sign a contract extension this summer.
The Lakers made their first big move of the offseason on Wednesday. They agreed to a two-year, $16.6 million deal with Deandre Ayton to fill their void at center.
Even with the additions of Ayton and Jake LaRavia in free agency, the Lakers are still a long way away from having a championship-caliber roster.
Wiggins would provide a boost to the Lakers' wing depth, but they have to decide if it's worth giving up what the Heat want to move on from him or stay on their current path with an eye toward the long-term future.
