Heat Set Sky‑High Price for Wiggins — Lakers Face Tough Decision
The Miami Heat are reportedly demanding a steep return for Andrew Wiggins as the Los Angeles Lakers express interest, according to multiple NBA insiders.
What the Heat Want
Package Required
Per NBA insider Jovan Buha and multiple reports, Miami is seeking Dalton Knecht, Rui Hachimura, and a first-round draft pick in any trade for Wiggins .
Bleacher Report reiterates the same ask—Knecht, Hachimura, plus a future first .
Salary Situation
Wiggins carries a $28+ million salary for 2025–26, plus a $30 million player option for 2026–27 .
Hachimura and Knecht, while promising talents, come at a combined lower cost—an appealing factor in trade structuring. Miami views this as a way to retain competitiveness while managing cap flexibility .
Why the Lakers Want Wiggins
Lakers executives see Wiggins as a vital 3-and‑D wing player who could complement their core duo of LeBron James and Luka Dončić by adding perimeter defense and off-ball scoring .
Is It Worth the Price?
Asset Drain: A package including Hachimura and Knecht plus a first-round pick would stretch the Lakers’ future draft capital and depth.
Risk vs Reward: Both Hachimura and Knecht had impactful 2024–25 seasons; their departure could weaken core rotational depth more than Wiggins might boost it .
Market Reactions
Analysts like Buha have called Miami’s demand an “overpay” for Wiggins .
Reports suggest Miami may be open to negotiating—possibly accepting a pick swap or secondary picks to maintain flexibility .
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Bottom Line for Lakers
The Lakers face a classic dilemma: should they part with young talent and future draft capital to chase immediate upgrades, or stick with their current developmental trajectory? Acquiring Wiggins would undeniably boost wing depth and defense, but at the cost of losing valuable assets. For a franchise built on balancing present window and future assets, the offer’s steep price forced GM Rob Pelinka into a tough decision.
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As of July 3, 2025, there are no signs Miami is budging significantly on their demands—and the Lakers appear cautious, reluctant to part with both Knecht and Hachimura, let alone a first .
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This is a fluid situation—both franchises may pivot based on offers
. Still, for now, Miami holds the leverage.
