Following their first-round playoff elimination, the LA Lakers are actively seeking to improve their lineup for the upcoming NBA season, with the Lakers target Wiggins for Doncic fit becoming a prominent goal. Although the Lakers prioritize adding a starting center, they have also expressed interest in Miami Heat’s Andrew Wiggins as a valuable addition to their wing defense.

Reports surfaced on Tuesday when Lakers beat writer Anthony Irwin revealed the front office, led by Rob Pelinka, contacted Miami Heat’s Pat Riley to explore Wiggins’ trade availability. Concurrently, analyst Brett Siegel confirmed that several teams are pursuing Wiggins, indicating widespread league interest beyond just the Lakers.

“Teams are wondering what is next with the Miami Heat after striking out on a Durant trade,” Brett Siegel — NBA Analyst

This season, Wiggins appeared in 17 games for the Heat after being acquired in a midseason trade from the Golden State Warriors, averaging 19.0 points per contest. Had he maintained this scoring over an entire season, it would mark his highest scoring output since the 2019-20 campaign when he played for Minnesota and Golden State.

With only a single guaranteed year remaining and a player option for the 2026-27 season, any acquiring team is expected to pursue a contract extension for Wiggins instead of a short-term deal, aiming to secure his presence beyond next summer’s offseason.

Current Trade Rumors Surrounding Miami Heat and Their Offseason Strategy

As the NBA draft‘s opening day approaches, much attention centers on how Pat Riley and the Miami Heat will maneuver their roster moves during the summer. Following the unsuccessful attempt to acquire Kevin Durant, the Heat are reportedly determined to remain active in trades and acquisitions.

While key players Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro are viewed as untouchable cornerstones whom Riley hopes to keep long-term, other assets such as Kel’el Ware and Jaime Jaquez Jr. have surfaced as potential trade candidates. Additionally, the Heat appear willing to part with their No. 20 draft pick to facilitate roster adjustments.

The team‘s objective seems to focus on securing a solid starter who can complement Adebayo and Herro, rather than pursuing upward movement in the draft. Miami’s strategy likely involves leveraging a combination of Wiggins, Jaquez Jr., Ware, and forward Haywood Highsmith to reinforce the squad’s competitiveness.

With major Eastern Conference rivals like the Milwaukee Bucks, Boston Celtics, and Indiana Pacers encountering setbacks, Miami seeks to build a roster capable of taking advantage of the evolving landscape and potentially making a deep playoff run next season.

Implications for the Lakers and Eastern Conference Dynamics

The Lakers’ interest in Wiggins highlights their intent to add a versatile wing defender who could significantly bolster their chances alongside stars like LeBron James and Luka Doncic this postseason. Adding Wiggins would address the team’s defensive needs and provide scoring depth, enhancing their overall balance.

For Miami, trading Wiggins could symbolize a strategic shift, focusing on asset accumulation and roster flexibility to maintain relevance in a competitive conference. The Heat’s willingness to engage in transactions signals a proactive approach to shaping their core despite missing out on high-profile targets like Durant.

As the NBA draft unfolds and trade talks develop, the moves both teams make will be closely watched for their potential to reshape playoff prospects across the league.