The Los Angeles Lakers continue to look for ways to upgrade the roster. Recent poor play shows the team’s flaws as they fall lower in the Western Conference standings after a strong start. Head coach JJ Redick called out the current players, but it appears that the front office is looking to make some moves to change the roster.
Andrew Wiggins has emerged as an ideal trade target in a deal with the Miami Heat. However, NBA reporter Brett Siegel of Clutch Points confirmed that Miami has already turned down their offers:
“Miami Heat forward Andrew Wiggins is a player the Lakers explored trade talks about this past offseason, and he is the ideal type of athletic 3-and-D wing to add around Doncic, James, and Reaves. The problem is that the Heat haven’t been moved by anything Los Angeles has to offer, and Miami has signaled that they aren’t actively shopping Wiggins.”
The Lakers would not trade stars Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, nor LeBron James in a deal for the former NBA Champion. Miami must settle for role players and a young prospect and/or future draft pick to make it a much tougher task and limit the chances of it happening.
What Would Heat Want From Lakers?
Three players on expiring contracts from the Lakers would be the main pieces needed to match Wiggins’ $28 million contract. Rui Hachimura is the main name that Miami would have to take back with one other player. Either Maxi Kleber or former Heat Gabe Vincent would be the other main player to match the combined salary.
However, Miami would clearly want more than expiring contracts to trade one of their better players. Los Angeles would have to include young prospect Dalton Knecht and draft picks. Offseason reports claimed that the Lakers are hoping to build the roster around Doncic moving forward as the next top superstar.
This means the front office could be a bit more frugal about sending off trade picks moving forward. Miami turning down the early Los Angeles offers is not the best sign for a deal coming later unless one party drastically changes their stance.
Why The Lakers Want Andrew Wiggins
The Lakers are apparently hoping to add another versatile wing player for the starting lineup. LeBron’s older age has shown him taking a step back defensively to require another wing player to defend the opposing team’s best players. Wiggins would clearly improve that as one of the most underrated wing defenders in the league.
Doncic and Reaves have a similar flaw to current day James, as great offensive talents that are below average defensively. Wiggins also fits both timetables of improving the current team’s chances of success and being a long-term fit playing alongside Doncic and Reaves.
Unfortunately, the Lakers will have to part way with a valuable future draft pick to tempt the Heat. Miami’s hot start showed that Wiggins being an important player on their team could lead to success. Rumors of the Heat wanting to acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo may also see them saving Wiggins for a bigger deal instead of gifting him to Los Angeles.
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