The Los Angeles Lakers are still waiting for the Miami Heat to soften their stance on former All-Star Andrew Wiggins, but the latest reports suggest little progress has been made.

According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Heat “is indeed willing to part with Andrew Wiggins (and his $28.2 million salary) in the proverbial right deal.” However, Miami is standing firm in seeking a return it deems significant. Fischer added that Wiggins could be included in a Miami trade package for Giannis Antetokounmpo if the two-time MVP requests a move and the Milwaukee Bucks invite a full bidding war.

Despite that possibility, Wiggins remains one of the Lakers’ top trade targets, especially as the franchise looks to bolster its perimeter defense and add a proven postseason contributor.

### Why the Lakers Want Wiggins and What They’re Willing to Offer

The Lakers’ interest in Wiggins is well-documented. According to LakersDaily’s Ashish Mathur, the franchise is intrigued by the former No. 1 pick and 2022 NBA champion for his defensive versatility and physical profile on the wing.

“Wiggins has many fans within the Lakers organization,” Mathur wrote. “He’s an athletic wing who can defend at a high level, get to the rim, and shoot from beyond the arc.”

However, Mathur also noted that Heat president Pat Riley may be unwilling to do business with the Lakers due to lingering tension stemming from LeBron James’ exit from Miami in 2014. The odds of Riley assisting the Lakers were described as “very, very low.”

Meanwhile, ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel reported that Miami is seeking a future first-round pick and two rotational players in talks regarding Wiggins. The Lakers could potentially match that structure with one first-round pick available in-season and three in the offseason, but the question remains whether they are willing to go all-in.

### Cap Strategy in Play: Lakers Weigh Wiggins vs. Future Stars

The Rob Pelinka-led Lakers front office is reportedly prioritizing cap flexibility for 2027, when Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and several All-NBA talents could hit the open market. Because Wiggins holds a player option for the 2026-27 season, the Lakers may view him as a lower-risk acquisition compared to stars on longer contracts.

In addition, ClutchPoints’ Anthony Irwin reported in June that Miami had previously expressed interest in Rui Hachimura in a potential Wiggins-to-L.A. deal. Those talks advanced but stalled when the Heat asked for more than Hachimura.

### Giannis Trade Landscape Could Pit Lakers and Heat Against Each Other

While the Lakers continue to monitor Wiggins, they may become rivals, not partners, with the Heat if Antetokounmpo decides to move on.

Fox32 Chicago’s Lou Canellis reported that Luka Dončić has been pushing behind the scenes for the Lakers to explore a trade for Giannis, whose future in Milwaukee has once again drawn league-wide attention.

“Giannis wanted to be traded. His first choice was the Knicks,” Canellis said. “The Lakers inquired, and Luka Dončić himself inquired.”

The Bucks reportedly rejected the Knicks’ offer due to their unwillingness to include Karl-Anthony Towns, and Los Angeles entered the inquiry from a similar position of limited assets. Still, the Lakers — currently second in the Western Conference — offer the allure of pairing Antetokounmpo with Dončić, who is playing at an MVP level.

### Lakers Waiting But Not Waiting Forever

The Heat may be willing to trade Wiggins, but not on the Lakers’ terms. Meanwhile, the Lakers have plenty to consider as they balance near-term depth, future star pursuits, and the cap chessboard ahead.

Whether Wiggins becomes a defensive solution for Los Angeles or a trade piece in a much larger Antetokounmpo sweepstakes will depend on who blinks first.
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