The biggest additions for the Los Angeles Lakers this offseason have been signing Marcus Smart, Jake LaRavia and Deandre Ayton, but the most important thing the Lakers did this summer was get Luka Dončić to sign a three-year, $165 million contract extension to keep him in L.A. through at least the 2027-28 season (with a player option for 2028-29).
By securing Dončić’s commitment prior to his departure for EuroBasket, the Lakers could feel more comfortable planning for how to upgrade the roster further, knowing they aren’t at risk of losing Dončić in the near future. As they scan the league for potential targets, Marc Stein reports Miami’s Andrew Wiggins is a player that would likely interest the Lakers if the Heat opted to make him available for a trade.
Stein notes the Lakers want to add a two-way wing, and that they are no longer as concerned about taking on contracts that stretch beyond next season after extending Dončić. Wiggins has a $30.2 million player option for next season, but has proven in the past to be a capable starting wing for a championship team, as he was a crucial piece of Golden State’s 2022 title squad.
The Heat could be looking to create a bit of financial flexibility going into this season as they try to figure out their path after Jimmy Butler’s departure, and trading Wiggins could be their way to do so. There are a few ways the Lakers could make a Wiggins trade work financially, and it would all come down to what Miami is looking for in return.
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If trading Wiggins would be a sheer cap motivation, the Lakers could offer two large expiring contracts in Maxi Kleber and former Heat guard Gabe Vincent, who both make around $11 million next season, alongside Dalton Knecht who would give Miami another relatively cheap young talent. Vincent and Kleber’s $22.5 million in salary would drop off Miami’s books next summer and give them a bit more space below the tax this season. The Lakers would add to their tax bill but would remain under the first apron hard cap they have for this upcoming season, while not giving up much from their rotation.
If the Heat want cap relief for next year, but also to have a chance to stay in the hunt in the East this season, they could also push for the inclusion of Austin Reaves or Rui Hachimura in a deal. Reaves is almost assuredly off the table given what we know about Los Angeles’ belief in the young guard, but Hachimura is on an $18 million expiring contract and the Lakers might be willing to part with him adding Wiggins would give the Lakers a replacement for him on the wing. A combination of Hachimura and Kleber (or Vincent) would work financially and allow Miami to clear the full $29+ million off their books for next season. The Lakers would have to be willing to give up a key rotation piece, but if they believe Wiggins is an upgrade over Hachimura — or if they don’t see a path to bringing Hachimura back next summer — that’s another option.
For years, the Lakers have been wary of adding long-term money to their books and trading future draft picks to upgrade the immediate roster, much to the chagrin of LeBron James. With Dončić now locked in for years to come, the risk of making a mistake is lessened as their floor will remain quite high with the Slovenian star in town. That means they can take a swing or two to capitalize on their immediate talent and become a player on the trade market when quality veterans become available, and Wiggins could fit that bill.