The Lakers have already had a busy offseason, but they may not be done yet.
Miami’s Andrew Wiggins is a name to watch if the Heat decide to move on from the former No. 1 overall pick, Marc Stein reported.
“Wiggins, 30, will earn $28.2 million this season and holds a $30.2 million player option for 2026-27,” Stein said. “I wouldn’t have classified him as a potential purple-and-gold target before Dončić’s long-term future was secured, but things are different now. So my sense is that the Lakers would have interest if the Heat, in coming weeks or months, decide to prioritize financial flexibility and look to reduce payroll.”
The Heat, meanwhile, are weighing their financial future in the wake of Jimmy Butler’s exit.
Moving Wiggins could be one way to gain flexibility.
“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,” Stein explained. He went on to say, “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.”
Another potential package could include Rui Hachimura, who is entering the final year of his $18 million deal.
“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,” Stein wrote.
The Lakers’ willingness to explore longer-term money is a direct result of locking Luka Doncic into a three-year, $165 million extension earlier this summer. With Doncic in place, Los Angeles can afford to be more aggressive in pursuing high-level role players.
If Wiggins becomes available, he could be exactly the type of two-way wing the Lakers have been waiting to land.
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