As the 2025 NBA Draft looms just hours away, the Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers find themselves deeply entrenched in trade talks that could reshape both rosters heading into the new season. At the heart of these discussions is a potential swap involving Andrew Wiggins and Rui Hachimura, a deal that has garnered significant attention amid the Heat's recent cap crunch and the Lakers' quest to bolster their wing depth following a disappointing playoff exit.
Andrew Wiggins, the 30-year-old wing acquired by Miami in February 2025 as the centerpiece of the Jimmy Butler trade to Golden State, has become a focal point for Miami’s offseason maneuvering. Despite flashes of promise, Wiggins’ tenure with the Heat has been marked by inconsistency and injury setbacks. Over 17 games with Miami, he averaged a solid 19.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.3 assists, while shooting 45.8% from the field and 36.0% from beyond the arc. However, his performance notably dipped during the playoffs, where he posted just 11.5 points per game on under 40% shooting in a first-round sweep at the hands of the Cleveland Cavaliers.
While Wiggins brings championship experience and was an All-Star just three seasons ago, his hefty contract—$58.4 million owed over the next two seasons, including a $30.2 million player option for 2026-27—has become a burden for a Heat team navigating a tight salary cap situation. According to reports from the Miami Herald and ClutchPoints’ NBA insider Anthony Irwin, the Heat are actively exploring trade scenarios to clear cap space and gain roster flexibility for the future.
One of the most discussed trade possibilities involves sending Wiggins to the Lakers in exchange for Rui Hachimura and possibly additional expiring contracts. Hachimura, a 27-year-old power forward standing 6-foot-8, impressed last season with his shooting efficiency, knocking down an impressive 41.3% of his three-point attempts and averaging 13.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.4 assists on 51/41/77 shooting splits. His expiring $18.3 million contract for the 2025-26 season makes him an attractive target for Miami, which is keen on acquiring salary relief.
"Miami likes Hachimura’s shooting ability at his size," Irwin noted, highlighting the value the Heat see in the Japanese forward’s skill set. Yet, a straight one-for-one swap won’t suffice due to salary matching rules. The Lakers would likely need to include another expiring contract, with names like Gabe Vincent—a former Heat guard reportedly open to a reunion—and Maxi Kleber, a veteran center acquired in the Luka Dončić trade, being floated as salary fillers.
Moreover, league sources indicate Miami is pushing for additional assets, including the promising Lakers rookie Dalton Knecht. Knecht’s inclusion is seen as a way for Miami to recoup future draft capital, especially since the Lakers may be reluctant to part with their 2031 or 2032 first-round picks before addressing their vacant center position. Kyle Anderson, who has two years and $18.8 million remaining on his contract, might also be on the move as Miami looks to optimize its roster and financial flexibility.
The Heat's motivation to move Wiggins also stems from their failure to secure superstar Kevin Durant, who was ultimately traded to the Houston Rockets. Miami had reportedly put together a final offer package for Durant that included Wiggins, Terry Rozier, two bench players—Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Haywood Smith—and the 20th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. After missing out on Durant, the Heat appear intent on recalibrating the roster, with Wiggins now available for trade alongside that coveted draft pick.
Speaking of the draft, Miami currently holds the No. 20 pick, acquired from the Warriors. There is speculation the Heat could include this pick in a Wiggins trade to sweeten the deal or use it to acquire additional future first-rounders. However, if Miami offloads that pick, they would enter the draft without a selection unless they opt to buy a second-round pick, a move that could trigger the NBA’s second-apron spending restrictions.
From the Lakers' perspective, acquiring Wiggins offers a two-way wing option to complement their star duo of LeBron James and Luka Dončić, especially after their first-round playoff exit to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Wiggins’ ability to stretch the floor and defend multiple positions aligns with the Lakers’ needs. Yet, as Irwin points out, the Lakers may be hesitant to part with their future first-round picks or Hachimura without receiving significant value in return.
Trade talks have reportedly advanced to the next step, though no deal is imminent as of now. Both teams appear to be weighing their options carefully, balancing immediate roster needs with long-term financial and strategic considerations. Miami’s front office, led by Erik Spoelstra, is known for its adaptability and development-focused culture, suggesting that the Heat are willing to make calculated sacrifices now for a more sustainable future.
Meanwhile, Wiggins’ future remains uncertain. Despite a bounce-back season after missing significant time in 2023-24 due to his father Mitchell Wiggins’ illness and subsequent passing, the Canadian wing’s value is nuanced. Averaging 18.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.6 assists across 60 games between the Warriors and Heat last season, he still offers production but at a high financial cost. The Lakers and Heat will need to navigate these complexities if they hope to finalize a trade that benefits both sides.
As the NBA Draft unfolds and the offseason progresses, the Heat-Lakers trade saga is sure to be a storyline to watch. Will Miami prioritize cap flexibility and future assets over retaining Wiggins? Can the Lakers convince the Heat to part with their prized draft pick and additional players for Wiggins’ services? For now, the talks continue, with the potential to significantly alter the landscape of both franchises.
In the meantime, Heat fans can expect a summer of change, as their team aims to build around Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro while managing salary cap pressures. The Lakers, fresh off a disappointing playoff exit, are looking to retool and remain competitive in the ever-evolving Western Conference. Whatever happens, the Andrew Wiggins-Rui Hachimura trade talks are a vivid example of the intricate chess game that is NBA roster building in 2025.
