A Former No. 1 Pick Could Be LA’s Next Big Swing
The Los Angeles Lakers have had a great start to the season. They currently occupy the No. 4 seed in the West and have a record of 17-7. They believe they are a championship contender right now, which is why they are exploring all avenues to continue improving the roster.
Recent reports indicate they remain intrigued with Andrew Wiggins and are waiting to see if the Miami Heat makes him available.
The Lakers have continued to monitor Andrew Wiggins to see if the Heat make him available, per @JakeLFischer
(Via @BleacherReport ) pic.twitter.com/NEbrNyx80y
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) November 23, 2025
Trade Rumor History
Wiggins has been on the Lakers’ radar for some time now. Reports of trade talks and desired packages swirled throughout the summer.
The Heat were rumored to want significant compensation from the Lakers for Wiggins. A package of Rui Hachimura, Dalton Knecht, and a first-round pick was the reported asking price.
While this appeared steep at the time, it may be necessary now. With the Lakers’ early success, no team is going to give them any handouts. On top of that, Knecht has struggled to get minutes to begin the season, and his value has appeared to decrease.
The Fit
Andrew Wiggins is a 6’7 small forward out of Kansas who was taken with the first overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft. He is now 30 years old and hasn’t ever fulfilled his high expectations. However, he’s been a vital part of a few different teams.
Most notably in 2022, when he put up a huge Finals performance to win a ring with the Golden State Warriors. There were arguments made that he should have been the Finals MVP instead of Stephen Curry due to his superb defense and consistent scoring.
Wiggins fits the mold the Lakers want in a 3-and-D forward with size. He would be replacing Hachimura in the rotation and would be an instant upgrade on the defensive end.
Trade Package
Lakers receive: Andrew Wiggins and Keshad Johnson
Heat receive: Rui Hachimura, Dalton Knecht, Maxi Kleber, and a 2032 2nd round pick
LA should test out the waters and reignite trade talks with Miami sooner rather than later. If the Heat are willing to accept a second-round pick instead of a first, the Lakers should pull the trigger. Wiggins would provide more for this unit than Hachimura can.
A consistent defensive stopper is what the team needs more than Rui’s scoring punch. Wiggins is a versatile scorer himself and can provide at least 80% of what he can. Knecht was a fun experiment, but ever since his last trade fell through, he hasn’t shown the same potential.
If Rob Pelinka can get this deal done, they should be considered legitimate contenders.
