In what could mark one of the most significant trade developments of the NBA offseason, the Miami Heat are reportedly in discussions with the Los Angeles Lakers regarding a potential deal that would send Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins to L.A. According to sources close to the situation, the Heat, acting as a facilitating third team, are asking for a trade package that includes forward Rui Hachimura, promising rookie Dalton Knecht, and a future first-round pick in exchange for their role in acquiring and rerouting Wiggins. This potential deal, while still in the negotiation phase, has already created significant buzz around the league due to its complexity and implications for all teams involved.
The Lakers have been aggressively exploring roster upgrades in an effort to maximize the championship window while LeBron James remains on the team. After an early playoff exit and a coaching change, L.A.’s front office is under pressure to bolster the squad around James and Anthony Davis. Andrew Wiggins, a two-way wing with playoff experience and a championship pedigree, is seen as a strong candidate to fill a need on the perimeter. His ability to defend elite wings, contribute offensively, and space the floor makes him a valuable asset for any contender, and especially a team like the Lakers that struggled with consistency from its wing rotation during the 2024-25 campaign.
However, acquiring Wiggins is far from straightforward. The Warriors, who are entering a retooling phase following a disappointing season, appear willing to move on from Wiggins, whose large contract has become a salary cap burden. Golden State’s priority seems to be clearing space and acquiring younger assets or picks in return. That’s where the Miami Heat come in. By involving themselves in the trade, the Heat may be leveraging their cap flexibility or desirable assets to help facilitate a multi-team transaction that allows each side to meet their needs.
But Miami isn’t just doing this out of goodwill. The Heat are reportedly asking the Lakers to send Rui Hachimura, their 2024 first-round pick Dalton Knecht, and a future first-round selection in return for making the trade possible and helping the Lakers land Wiggins. It’s a steep asking price, and one that is giving the Lakers pause. Hachimura, a versatile forward who has had flashes of brilliance during his L.A. tenure, has shown the ability to be a reliable contributor on both ends of the court. Meanwhile, Knecht, selected No. 17 overall in this year’s draft, is viewed as one of the top shooters in the class with strong scoring upside. Giving up both of those players, along with a future first-round pick, for Wiggins is a major commitment.
The deal essentially forces the Lakers to answer a difficult question: how all-in are they on winning now? LeBron James is not getting younger, and every season that passes without a title feels like a wasted opportunity. That urgency is why the Lakers are even considering a package that includes multiple young assets and draft capital. Wiggins, when healthy and motivated, fits a pressing need. He was a crucial piece in the Warriors’ 2022 championship run, often defending the opponent’s best scorer while also providing timely offense. But the last two seasons have seen his performance dip due to injuries and inconsistent play, making the trade risky for Los Angeles.
For the Heat, the motivations are equally strategic. Miami has long been considered one of the most disciplined and well-run organizations in the NBA. If they are inserting themselves into this deal, it’s because they see a long-term advantage. By acquiring Hachimura, Knecht, and a first-round pick, they could be replenishing their talent base without giving up core contributors. Hachimura would fit the Heat’s culture with his work ethic and physical style, while Knecht’s sharpshooting would complement Miami’s offense. The pick adds future flexibility, which is always a priority for Pat Riley and the Heat front office.
Golden State, on the other hand, seems to be focused on retooling around Stephen Curry without the bloated payroll that has come with trying to keep their dynasty intact. Offloading Wiggins’ contract would give them financial breathing room and potentially allow for greater flexibility in the future. Whether they receive a significant return or simply salary relief in the process will depend on the structure of the trade. Inserting Miami into the mix allows the Warriors to get a deal done without taking on long-term salary, which is crucial given their luxury tax concerns.
While no final agreement has been reached, sources indicate that discussions are heating up. The Lakers are reportedly hesitant about including Knecht in the deal, preferring to keep the young shooter as part of their long-term plans. The front office believes he could become a significant contributor as early as this season, especially under new head coach JJ Redick, who is expected to emphasize pace, spacing, and perimeter shooting. Removing Knecht from the deal could scuttle the talks, however, as the Heat appear to view him as a centerpiece of the trade.
The Lakers also have to consider what this deal would mean for their long-term outlook. If they give up Knecht, Hachimura, and a pick for Wiggins and still come up short in the postseason, they will have significantly depleted their asset pool for a move that didn’t pay off. On the other hand, if Wiggins helps push them to the Finals or wins them another ring, the trade could be seen as a masterstroke. It’s the kind of calculated risk that championship teams have to take, but the margin for error is small.
Wiggins’ fit in Los Angeles is tantalizing. He would likely start alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis, giving the Lakers a long, athletic, and defensively switchable frontcourt. Offensively, he wouldn’t need to carry a heavy load, which could help him thrive in a more focused role. The Lakers have often lacked a true two-way wing who can handle the league’s elite scorers while also knocking down open shots. Wiggins checks those boxes when at his best. The question is whether that version of Wiggins still exists, and whether he can rediscover it in purple and gold.
From a salary cap standpoint, the deal would be complicated but not impossible. Wiggins is owed around $26 million annually over the next few seasons, while Hachimura’s deal is manageable at roughly $17 million per year. Knecht is on a rookie-scale contract, and the inclusion of a first-round pick helps balance the perceived value. Miami may use additional minor contracts or a trade exception to make the money work, though the finer details will likely involve complex maneuvering.
The NBA landscape is fluid, and deals like these can evolve rapidly. What’s clear is that all three teams have a motive to get something done. The Lakers want to win now. The Heat want to retool without tanking. The Warriors want flexibility and future positioning. Whether all three can align their interests enough to finalize a trade remains to be seen, but league insiders believe the groundwork is already in place for a major transaction.
There’s also an element of gamesmanship at play. Miami could be applying pressure on the Lakers to sweeten the pot, knowing that L.A. is operating on a tight timeline with LeBron’s future uncertain. If the Lakers hesitate too long, another team could swoop in and change the landscape. Alternatively, Miami may be positioning themselves for another move entirely, using this negotiation as leverage for a separate deal.
In any case, the coming days will be pivotal. The NBA offseason has already seen some surprising twists, but a three-team deal involving Wiggins, Hachimura, Knecht, and a first-round pick would be one of the biggest dominoes to fall. It would reshape rosters, recalibrate expectations, and potentially alter the balance of power in the Western Conference. All eyes will be on the front offices involved, as fans and analysts wait to see whether bold ambition or cautious prudence wins out in this developing drama.
