Lakers insiders confirm that Lakers have withdrawn from the competition to trade Andrew Wiggins

According to Chaitanya Dadwar, a contributor to US Sports F/W. In the rebuild around Doncic, one of the key positions the Lakers must fill in this offseason is a sports wing that also defends well. A few days ago, there were rumors that the Lakers might consider former NBA champion Andrew Wiggins to fill the role.

Then, Dan Woike, an insider of The Athletic, appeared on the Zach Lowe Show and confirmed with certainty that the Lakers did not have any potential trade discussions about Wiggins. "...I guess the Lakers have already smelled Wiggins. I really don't understand the trade rumors.

Walker: "They are not interested, they are not interested in Andrew Wiggins. I think I can put this thing here. I'm very confident about this. Let's pretend they have. ”

Lowe: “I didn’t get it. I've already said on my podcast that I don't understand how those rumors suddenly gave up, like Andrew Wiggins. Like, isn't Hachimura as good as Andrew Wiggins? For example, why do I want to add more content? I like Hachimura. ”

Earlier this offseason, the Heat reportedly had made clear what they wanted the Lakers to give up in the trade to bring Andrew Wiggins to Los Angeles. According to Lakers insider Buha, the Heat set a high asking price for Wiggins. The Heat reportedly asked Kneckett, Hachimura and a future first-round pick in exchange for the 30-year-old Canadian forward.

Wigkins was traded to the Heat in February to send Jimmy Butler to the Warriors. In his 60 games this season, he averaged 18.0 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.6 assists, while shooting 44.8% from the field and shooting from beyond the 3-point line 37.4%. While Wiggins is a potential strongman for Luca Doncic, Walker has confirmed that these rumors are unfounded and we should not expect to see the Lakers make any moves for Wiggins. They reportedly asked about him just but never intended to make an offer after the asking price was announced.

The Lakers are looking for a sports wing to replace Dorian Finney-Smith's role on their roster this season, or what PJ Washington did for the Mavericks in the 2024 NBA Finals. The Lakers may follow the same blueprint for the Mavericks to build a roster around Doncic, but one of the biggest problems with doing so next season is LeBron James. James received a $52.6 million player option this summer, accounting for the Lakers' total salary cap space 34.66%.

According to Trevor Lane, the Lakers will not accept any long-term contracts in James' potential deals as they want to make room for the 2026-27 season. This puts teams like the Clippers and the Heat in a unique position to offer profitable offers to the Lakers because they have the necessary expiration contracts to make offers worthy of the Lakers' consideration while keeping their demands in mind.

While there has not been a discussion of the Wiggins or James deal, I think it is possible for the Heat and the Lakers to come up with a trading plan that takes Wiggins to Los Angeles and possibly reunite James with the Heat. If the Heat are willing to acquire James from the Lakers, they may consider transferring Wiggins.