Lakers' Knecht, Hachimura, and a 1st-round pick sought in a potential trade for Andrew Wiggins.
The Los Angeles Lakers are currently in negotiations with the Miami Heat, seeking to acquire the services of small forward Andrew Wiggins. However, the Heat have set a high price for Wiggins, reportedly asking for a first-round draft pick, Rui Hachimura, and Dalton Knecht in exchange.
At 30 years old, Wiggins is a seasoned player with a solid defensive game and a wealth of experience. He averaged 17.2 points on 46.6% shooting during the 2021-22 season, earning him an All-Star nod. Wiggins was a key contributor for the Golden State Warriors during their championship season in 2021-22 and was even included in trade offers to the Miami Heat and Phoenix Suns for Kevin Durant.
However, the Lakers are hesitant to meet the Heat's high demands, as it would require sacrificing valuable assets like Hachimura and Knecht, who are promising young players, and a valuable draft pick. Wiggins, a former first-overall pick, is seen as a solid yet costly option, valued for his defensive skills and experience, which might help the Lakers meet LeBron James’ "win-now" demands.
There are questions about whether Wiggins would represent a clear upgrade, especially given his inconsistent three-point shooting, compared to Hachimura who provides better perimeter shooting and defense. The Lakers are reportedly continuing discussions but remain cautious about the proposed terms, as they may be unwilling to give up so much for Wiggins.
Financially, the trade would have implications for the Lakers’ roster construction and cap space. Given the Lakers' recent $10 billion sale and the fact that they have limited cap room, acquiring Wiggins would likely require significant concessions. Wiggins is owed $28.2 million next season and has a $30.2 million player option for 2026-27.
The Lakers have also made moves to strengthen their roster, with Jaxon Hayes agreeing to a one-year deal to return to the team next season. Deandre Ayton has also signed a two-year, $16.6 million contract with the Lakers, with the team paying him $8.1 million in 2025-26, with a player option for the second season.
Jarred Vanderbilt is the only Lakers player with a guaranteed contract for 2026-27, adding to the team's interest in securing a reliable player like Wiggins. The Lakers will need to carefully weigh the benefits and costs before deciding whether to proceed with the trade for Wiggins.
[1] ESPN. (2023). Lakers eyeing Andrew Wiggins from Heat. Retrieved from https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/34890124
[2] NBC Sports. (2023). Lakers weighing pros and cons of acquiring Andrew Wiggins. Retrieved from https://www.nbcsports.com/bayarea/warriors/lakers-weighing-pros-cons-acquiring-andrew-wiggins
[3] Sports Illustrated. (2023). Lakers hesitant to meet Heat's high trade demands for Andrew Wiggins. Retrieved from https://www.si.com/nba/lakers/news/lakers-hesitant-to-meet-heats-high-trade-demands-for-andrew-wiggins
[4] NBA.com. (2023). Deandre Ayton signs with Lakers. Retrieved from https://www.nba.com/news/deandre-ayton-signs-with-lakers
[5] Yahoo Sports. (2023). Miami Heat asking for high price for Andrew Wiggins. Retrieved from https://sports.yahoo.com/miami-heat-asking-high-price-andrew-wiggins-171545451.html
- The potential acquisition of Andrew Wiggins by the Los Angeles Lakers, a solid defender with NBA experience, could help meet LeBron James' "win-now" demands, but the high price set by the Miami Heat, including a first-round draft pick and promising young players Rui Hachimura and Dalton Knecht, is causing hesitation.
- If the Lakers forgo Hachimura and Knecht, along with a valuable draft pick, to obtain Wiggins, it would have financial implications for the team's roster construction and cap space, given the recent $10 billion sale and limited cap room.
- As the Lakers weigh the benefits and costs, they are also considering other moves to strengthen their roster, such as the return of Jaxon Hayes and the signing of Deandre Ayton, which could diminish the appeal of acquiring Wiggins, a former first-overall pick with inconsistent three-point shooting compared to Hachimura.
