There have been rumors about the Miami Heat and the Los Angeles Lakers engaging in trade talks. Andrew Wiggins is at the center of those talks, with the Lakers interested in the former champion and quality wing player. There are not many three-and-D wings available in the league, and Wiggins is one who can certainly help the Lakers. Yet, according to the latest reports, there is a reason why the Heat and the Lakers cannot materialize a trade for Wiggins. And it is all because of Pat Riley.
Pat Riley Holds the Keys to LeBron’s Championship Chance
Wiggins and LeBron James have plenty of history. Although they had never played together, they are connected by their shared history with a former team. Wiggins was traded by the Cleveland Cavaliers when James returned. He made his lone All-Star appearance in 2022, when he also won a championship title with the Golden State Warriors.
A former first overall pick, Wiggins has transitioned into a great role player who can help teams win. While the Lakers would love to have him on their roster, the recent reports are that Riley doesn’t want to make the trade. One NBA executive spoke with Lakers Daily recently, saying:
“Pat Riley wouldn’t trade Andrew Wiggins to the Lakers because he doesn’t want to help LeBron. I would be stunned if Pat did this trade. You really think Pat wants to help LeBron? He’s still mad about LeBron leaving Miami. I don’t see it happening.”
LeBron famously joined Miami in 2010, promising the Heat would win not one, not two, not three, but multiple championships. Eventually, they won two titles during his four-year span in Miami. After they lost in the Finals in 2014, James came back to Cleveland, leaving Riley angry. Eventually, the two have reconciled the relationship, but Riley is not someone you play with.
Can the Lakers Realistically Trade for Wiggins?
With the new rules and the apron era, it is harder to make trades. The good news is that the Lakers are not over the infamous second apron. They can combine salaries to make a trade work.
The challenge is that Wiggins makes $28 million, and to get there, the Lakers might have to trade two or three players. So far, they have been reluctant to trade a future first-round pick. But to get to $28 million, they might need to trade Gabe Vincent, Maxi Kleber, and Dalton Knecht. Is that worth getting Wiggins? Only the Lakers know.
Is Wiggins the Last Missing Piece?
Wiggins has proven previously that he can be the last piece to a championship contender. When he joined the Warriors, he fit perfectly as the third or fourth leading scorer and someone who could defend when needed. Some might say that was several years ago and he has lost his step.
But on the Lakers, he can fit perfectly. Wiggins can take on Jared Vanderbilt’s role, plus provide some offensive spark. Unlike Vando, Wiggins can shoot, so that will be a huge plus.
The Lakers were a good defensive unit as a team last season for a two-month stretch. Adding Wiggins to that mix can certainly help. With Luka Doncic and LeBron carrying the offense, role players like Wiggins can shine. All that is left is for Riley to green-light a Wiggins trade between the Heat and the Lakers.
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