Executive Doubts Heat Will Send Andrew Wiggins to Lakers Amid Riley’s Reluctance
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The Los Angeles Lakers have expressed interest in acquiring Miami Heat forward Andrew Wiggins, but a league executive believes the deal is highly improbable because of Heat president Pat Riley’s lingering displeasure with LeBron James’ 2014 departure.
“I would be stunned if Pat did this trade,” the executive told Lakers Daily. “You really think Pat wants to help LeBron James? He’s still mad about LeBron leaving Miami. I don’t see it happening.”
Wiggins, 30, is scheduled to earn $28.2 million this season and holds a $30.2 million player option for 2026-27. The former No. 1 overall pick split last year between the Golden State Warriors and the Heat, posting averages of 18.0 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.6 assists while shooting 44.8 percent from the field and 37.4 percent from beyond the arc. He arrived in Miami as part of the Jimmy Butler trade.
Los Angeles would likely need to include forward Rui Hachimura to match salaries, yet several team officials around the league consider Riley the primary obstacle. Even a decade after James left Miami for Cleveland, many executives do not expect Riley to facilitate a deal that could strengthen James’ current team.
For now, Wiggins remains a core piece of Miami’s rotation alongside Tyler Herro, Bam Adebayo and newly acquired guard Norman Powell. The Lakers, meanwhile, plan to open training camp with a projected starting lineup of Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, Hachimura, James and Deandre Ayton.
Source: Hoops Wire
