Andrew Wiggins has been the subject of trade speculation for the last couple of weeks. The veteran wing has been linked to the Los Angeles Lakers in multiple rumors. However, the Miami Heat have no intention of letting go of the former champion. Per Brett Siegel of Clutch Points, the Heat are content to retain the small forward and allow him time to get comfortable with the team’s system.
“Right now, the Heat don’t hold much of a desire to trade Wiggins and are operating under the mindset of waiting to see how things play out during the first few months of the regular season,” sources said.
Miami is amid a rebuilding phase after trading away Jimmy Butler to the Golden State Warriors at last season’s trade deadline. Despite the Lakers’ interest in adding wing depth around LeBron James and Luka Dončić, the Heat are content with letting Wiggins be a part of the rebuilding process.
Miami Heat Not Interested in Trading Andrew Wiggins Despite Lakers Rumors
Andrew Wiggins’ Career Numbers and Impact
Wiggins has had a polarizing career. He has gone from a promising Rookie of the Year to a player struggling to find his place on the team that drafted him, the Minnesota Timberwolves, to embracing and excelling in a new role with a championship-winning Golden State Warriors team.
Wiggins struggled defensively at the start of his career but eventually polished this facet of his game. His improved defense was a key catalyst for the Warriors’ title run in the 2021–22 season. It should come as no surprise that Wiggins was an All-Star that season. Throughout his 11-year career, the former first overall pick has averaged 18.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.0 steals per game. He has developed into a quality role player. Considering this, it makes sense why the Miami Heat would want to keep him on their roster for now.
Why the Los Angeles Lakers Are Interested
The Lakers are looking to bolster their roster around Luka Dončić and LeBron James while their championship window remains open. Los Angeles knows it needs help at the wing position. However, there’s no telling what the team would have to sacrifice in a potential trade for someone like Andrew Wiggins.
It is also worth noting that Wiggins is 30 years old, meaning the Heat could still get some valuable seasons out of him. Still, one can’t blame the Lakers for inquiring about the forward’s availability. Wiggins would be an ideal fit as a tertiary scorer and perimeter defender. Because of this, the Heat are content to include him in their long-term plans.
