The Los Angeles Lakers want to trade for a “two-way swingman,” according to NBA insider Marc Stein of The Stein Line, and they have been linked to Miami Heat forward Andrew Wiggins.
Wiggins, the first pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, will make $28.2 million next season. He has a player option worth $30.2 million for the 2026-27 season.
“The sort of player who is likely to interest the Lakers? My read (if Miami were to make him available): Andrew Wiggins,” Stein wrote. “Wiggins, 30, will earn $28.2 million this season and holds a $30.2 million player option for 2026-27. I wouldn’t have classified him as a potential purple-and-gold target before Dončić’s long-term future was secured, but things are different now.
“So my sense is that the Lakers would have interest if the Heat, in coming weeks or months, decide to prioritize financial flexibility and look to reduce payroll.”
The Heat acquired Wiggins from the Golden State Warriors in the blockbuster Jimmy Butler trade last season. Wiggins put up 18.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.0 steals and 0.8 blocks per game with the Warriors and Heat while shooting 44.8% from the field, 37.4% from beyond the arc and 76.3% from the free-throw line.
The 30-year-old Wiggins has played for the Minnesota Timberwolves, Warriors and Heat. He has career averages of 18.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.0 steals and 0.7 blocks. The Kansas product won the 2022 championship with the Warriors.
The Lakers lost to the Timberwolves in the first round of the 2025 playoffs in five games despite having Luka Dončić and LeBron James. Dončić, who signed a three-year extension with Los Angeles this offseason, recruited Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart. The Lakers also signed Jake LaRavia, who was recruited by Austin Reaves.
Dončić, Reaves, Rui Hachimura, James and Ayton are expected to start for the Lakers in 2025-26.