I wanna start this off by saying I’m actually overall pretty pro-Wiggins. Obviously he stopped trying before GSW but once there he did elevate his defense and rebounding, and his slashing and shooting fit into their offense seamlessly. His series against Luka’s Mavs (that would go to the finals just a few years later) and a few defensive gems in the finals really took him from punchline to legitimate championship level role player.
However, I am a little apprehensive if I’m a team wanting to trade for him for a few reasons I’d love to hear discussion on:
1 – where will his effort be? After becoming an all-star and champion in GS it did seem like his effort decreased a bit, and the defensive metrics and rebounding numbers seem to indicate that as well (although I acknowledge those are imperfect ways to measure player effort, it fit with the eye test). Will he continue to be motivated on a team that desperately needs maximal value from every dollar spent now that he’s been to the mountain top? Maybe! Certainly if the team is a contender, but still, I do worry about it.
2 – what is his OFFENSIVE fit next to Luka? His defensive fit, if he’s trying, is immaculate. No question. However, I do worry that part of the reason Golden State was the one place he found success is because the style of offense they play with Curry. Luka is of course a phenomenal player, but the offense around him is definitely different than what he did next to Curry. Can he adapt, especially while contributing on the defensive end? Again, maybe! I’d love to hear thoughts on this.
3 – finally, the price. The Lakers (as is the case with most of the contenders) are not exactly overflowing with cap space. What will it cost to get Wiggins from the notoriously tight fisted Riley? Every dollar must count, and every new player comes with a degree of risk. I think just saying “if the price is right” is accurate, but incomplete. LeBron, Luka, Wiggins is a great trio to have on the floor together, but I worry about depleting the depth. What do people feel is an “appropriate” price?
Any thoughts and opinions welcome! I’m not closed off to it, just wanted to express some reservations to see if it generates good basketball discussion that might further my understanding of his game or the team’s outlook for the season.
18 comments
Wiggins would be a great fit to the current lineup, but his long term fit along with the salary he might ask for is not. Unless you can guarantee me that he opts out of his final year and takes a deal around the $20-23M range, it’s not worth it. Or that the Heat will take a trade package that doesn’t include Rui and/or a first rounder.
> Where will his effort be?
I assume being used to host our 18th championship next year. But seriously, he’d be a semi “contract” year, so he’ll definitely be trying to get his last “big” contract.
> What is his offensive fit with Luka?
He’s an 18 PPG 3-level scorer who shoots 37% from three on 6 attempts a game. His offensive fit with Luka is great, not only is Wiggins a guy who can create his own offense and isolations when needed but he can be a good spot up player. If a player like Wiggins is your fourth option offensively you’re a championship level team.
> What will be the cost?
Personally, the cost right now from what it seems is Rui, matching salary + FRP. But I expect it to come down when the deadline comes around. The main reason why Miami wants to trade him in the first place is because of his 30 million dollar player option this offseason. Miami wants to go big fish hunting in FA next offseason (Young or KD) and Wiggins effects their cap space, Rui & Kleber for example would help clear that space. We’d be the only team that’d offer expirings & gladly take on that PO without asking for additional assets
Is he really a great defensive fit?
The other team has a 1, a 2, and a 3.
You want Luka guarding the slowest of those guys. Partially because defensive speed is not a strength and partially because he does so much on offense that you need to conserve his energy.
You want Reaves guarding the next worst guy. He’s a bit faster than Luka (though still not NBA fast) but not as big or strong.
So in a lot of match ups, you put Luka on the 3, Austin on the 2, and whoever is next to them on the 1. Guys like Curry, Fox, Brunson, etc. Can Wiggins, 30 years old, and 6’7 guard 1s? What I hear Warriors fans and Heat fans saying is no. If so then he’s not a great defensive fit next to Luka and then Reaves still has to guard point guards. Could he contribute if he was here? Sure. Is he an immaculate fit: no.
And if he’s just ‘another good option on the wing’ then is he worth giving up Rui or a pick or 30m in cap space? No. I don’t think so.
We should prioritize someone who actually is a perfect defensive fit. Keon Ellis, Herb Jones, Matisse Thybulle, guys in that mold. If we’re not getting that, than it’s not worth giving up that much.
i just want us to have a 1st round 2026 pick
wiggins in his entire career has only looked good on the team where he’s allowed to be dirty as fuck on defense and he isn’t on that team anymore
Like others are saying, I would personally have a young defender like Keon, Ayo, or Herb before Wiggins. Wiggins is better for us than Rui but it will likely be a win now situation going for Wiggins as we will have to invest in a declining version of him. I say we start the season seeing how the team plays with the new additions and decide at the trade deadline as hopefully the price is lower. Going in on a younger guy will make much more sense though.
Vando, Gabe, Max and Knecht for Wiggins and Jaquez Jr
Miami won’t make that trade, so… I’m waiting to see what else is out there.
This LA team has options and guys will have to compete for PT. That’s usually a good thing.
Be patient.
1. Wiggins was out for personal reasons for a stretch of time. Seeing that his dad passed away in September 2024, that might be the reason why.
2. It’s basically up to how JJ wants to use him. He can space the floor shooting 38% from 3 on 5 attempts per game as a Warrior. He’s not great at it but he can create his own shot, he can run the floor, is good in transition, can cut off-ball, and averages 18.5 ppg for his career (scoring 17 ppg in 10 out of 11 seasons)
3. If the price is right, then the Lakers should do it. This team doesn’t have much depth to begin with if that’s really your biggest concern. I just wouldn’t want to give up a 1st round pick.
The price was a statue. Lol. If its not rui and expiring then he’s not worth it. Rui is just as good and improves
Hard pass.
If you don’t think Wiggins could be the piece making the lakers a contender you definitely didn’t watch him during the championship run with GS. He single handily won them that ring with his rebounding, defense, & efficiency. He did that on a team with less talent than the lakers have now.
Wiggins will usually guard who Rui would guard, MPJ, KD, Thompson Twins, JDub, Ant, etc.. etc..
Heat players fold in a lakers uniform. Don’t do it
Nope. Don’t do it.
He is cooked. Done.
His mind and heart is not in the game.
Whatever happened with his family while at Dubs, cooked him.
I don’t think he is motivated anymore
His motivation was getting the second bag, since he got it, he is set.
He looks like someone who wants to spend more time with family than worry about winning another championship.
fuck wiggins
If we traded for Wiggins, it’d be something like Rui, Knecht and Kleber for Wiggins + something… I just can’t see it happening because Miami is probably going to be a top 4 seed in that dog shit East. Rui+Knecht is really solid return for Wiggins, but it doesn’t make them better this year, and they might be able to make the finals in that awful conference.
Wiggins is the type of gamble a contender *might* have to take, but you’re absolutely right — he’s not plug-and-play flawless, and the cost matters as much as the fit.