LeBron James may soon have another former No. 1 pick joining him in Los Angeles, as the Lakers are reportedly exploring a trade for veteran forward Andrew Wiggins from the Miami Heat. According to Anthony Irwin from ClutchPoints during a recent YouTube discussion, the Lakers have reached out to Miami to inquire about the cost of acquiring Wiggins, who was the top pick in the 2014 NBA Draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Wiggins, now 30, has an impressive resume that includes being an NBA champion and an All-Star with the Golden State Warriors in 2022. He was traded to the Heat this past February in the deal for Jimmy Butler and has made a notable impact, averaging 19.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.3 assists, along with strong defensive play during his time in Miami.
Wiggins stands out as a significant trade asset for the Heat, especially as he approaches the final guaranteed year of his contract at $28.2 million. Should he join the Lakers, he would enhance both their scoring options and defensive capabilities, which could be vital alongside their current roster challenges.
However, the path to acquiring Wiggins may not be straightforward for the Lakers, as they might lack appealing trade pieces for the Heat. With Austin Reaves likely off the table, the proposed trade package could involve Rui Hachimura, Dalton Knecht, and a first-round draft pick in 2031 or 2032, which may not be sufficient to persuade Miami to proceed with a deal.
As the Lakers navigate this trade discussion, it highlights the continued effort of the franchise to bolster their lineup, particularly in securing capable players who can complement their star roster. The potential addition of Wiggins could be a promising move for both the team and fans looking forward to an exciting season ahead.