NBA Rumors: The Lakers Want to Fish in Miami for a Former NBA Champion

Two of the most iconic franchises in the NBA could be close to finalizing a significant trade. The Los Angeles Lakers are in negotiations with the Miami Heat, who have shown interest in former NBA champion Andrew Wiggins.

Analyst Anthony Irwin has described these discussions as "real negotiations" at this point, although he emphasizes that it cannot be said that the agreement is imminent. "There is enough smoke in the air to make it worth discussing," he noted.

And what would be the possible exchange for Wiggins? All signs point to the name that is strongest in relation to a move to Miami being Rui Hachimura.

However, Irwin expressed some surprise on today's episode of the Lakers Lounge podcast: "The Lakers came into this preseason talking about their 'core': obviously Luka (Doncic), LeBron, Austin (Reaves)... and, for some reason, Rui (Hachimura) was part of that group. What I had heard is that the Lakers were reluctant to dismantle that —air quotes— 'core'."

He adds, "But if you consider Rui as part of that 'core,' I think you are stretching the meaning of the term too far. Instead, this potential trade seems like a very smart use of Hachimura's contract, which is about to expire."

Could the Heat send Wiggins to the Lakers?

Hachimura, a forward-center for the Lakers, is in the final year of a three-season contract worth 51 million dollars and will earn 18.2 million next year. On the other hand, Wiggins, a small forward, has two more guaranteed years in his contract: he will receive 28 million in the 2025-26 season and has a player option for a final year with a salary of 30 million.

Selected as the number one pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, Wiggins was an All-Star in 2022 and a key player in the surprising title win by the Golden State Warriors. Last season, the 30-year-old Toronto native averaged 18 points and 4.2 rebounds per game, split between his time with the Warriors and the Heat. These numbers align with his professional average.

As for Hachimura, he averaged 13.1 points and 5 rebounds per game with the Lakers, also consistent figures with his usual performance. These negotiations will need to be closely monitored for further developments.

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