There has been lots of talk about the Los Angeles Lakers‘ dire need for one or two serviceable centers and the centers they could or should go after. But they also have a need for an impactful two-way wing who can effectively guard perimeter players.
With Jimmy Butler long gone from the Miami Heat, they could at least be open to trading Andrew Wiggins, the main piece they got back from the Golden State Warriors in the trade that sent Butler to Golden State. Wiggins has been a borderline star wing for several years, and he was an All-Star starter three years ago who played a key role in Golden State’s most recent NBA championship.
Lakers reporter Anthony Irwin said on Tuesday that the team “checked in on” Wiggins. On Wednesday, he wrote in an article for ClutchPoints that discussions between the two teams regarding the 30-year-old have progressed.
“The Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat have maintained further negotiations on a trade involving Andrew Wiggins, according to sources with knowledge of the situation, speaking on the condition of anonymity,” Irwin wrote.
According to Irwin, forward Rui Hachimura could be the player the Lakers are trying to center a package around.
“The Heat would be looking to land Rui Hachimura and his expiring contract, plus further expiring money to match salaries.”
But Irwin noted that there is still work to do if this trade is to actually take place.
“After reporting the Lakers checked in with the Heat about Wiggins’ price, sources tell ClutchPoints that trade talks have advanced to the next step, though nothing is considered imminent as of right now.”
Wiggins averaged 18.0 points and 5.8 3-point attempts a game while hitting 37.4% of those 3-point attempts this season. He can guard multiple positions, and he possesses ample athleticism.
He was the No. 1 pick in the 2014 NBA Draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers as LeBron James was about to return to the team, but he was subsequently sent away in a three-team trade that brought Cleveland Kevin Love.
