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Andrew Wiggins of the Miami Heat continues to draw strong trade interest.

The Miami Heat could face a decision on Andrew Wiggins’ long-term future, with the Los Angeles Lakers still not giving up their hopes on prying away the former All-Star.

According to Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report’s NBA Insider Notebook, the Lakers continue to monitor Wiggins’ situation in Miami.

While the Heat have not made Wiggins available in trade discussions, Fischer reported that rival teams believe Miami will eventually determine whether the 30-year-old wing is part of their long-term core or a movable asset. The Lakers, in particular, have shown interest if Miami decides to listen.

Wiggins has been a steady contributor in his first full season with Miami after being acquired in February as part of the blockbuster deal that sent Jimmy Butler to the Golden State Warriors. His fit, production and contract now play into a larger organizational decision.

Wiggins’ Production Adds to His Market Value

Wiggins has quietly put together one of the most efficient stretches of his career in Miami’s system. He is averaging 16.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.1 steals while shooting 36.5% from three in 15 games this season, offering the Heat three-level scoring, matchup defense and spacing while All-Star guard Tyler Herro is on the mend.

His size and athleticism also allow Erik Spoelstra to deploy him across multiple positions, providing the kind of defensive versatility Miami typically covets. Wiggins’ ability to defend stars has made him an attractive target for the Lakers, who want to flank Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves with a high-level 3-and-D starter.

That value is precisely why Miami should consider cashing out on him. But their 9-6 start, good for fifth in the wide-open Eastern Conference, could alter their trade plans.

Contract Plays a Major Factor

Wiggins is in the third year of a four-year, $109 million deal, earning $28.2 million this season and holding a $30.2 million player option for 2026-27. The contract sits in a mid-tier salary range that makes him easy to trade but difficult to replace if Miami were to move him.

His age — 30 — also sits between Miami’s current timelines: developing young players like Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Nikola Jović, and maximizing championship runs with Bam Adebayo and Herro.

Norman Powell, who leads the team in scoring, averaging 25.4 points, is also in line for a lucrative extension.

Whether the Heat prioritize youth, balance both timelines, or push for a new All-Star trade will directly impact whether Wiggins stays.

Lakers Trade Interest Isn’t New

Wiggins’ name has surfaced multiple times dating back to the summer. Anthony Irwin of ClutchPoints reported in June that Miami expressed interest in Rui Hachimura, and explored a framework that would have sent Wiggins to Los Angeles in return. Irwin said talks “advanced to the next step,” but stalled when the Heat requested more than Hachimura.

Additionally, NBA insider Marc Stein reported that Wiggins also surfaced in trade conversations with the Phoenix Suns before they shipped Kevin Durant to Houston.

The repetition of conversations illustrates the same truth: Miami isn’t shopping Wiggins, but the league keeps asking.

Heat Control the Market, Not the Lakers

For now, Miami has made no indication it wants to trade Wiggins. Rival interest only increases his value — and gives the Heat options.

If Miami pushes for a star, Wiggins’ salary slot could be key. If the Heat choose to re-tool around Adebayo and Herro, Wiggins fits that picture too. Either way, Miami — not Los Angeles — will decide the next move.

Alder Almo is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com. He has more than 20 years of experience in local and international media, including broadcast, print and digital. He previously covered the Knicks for Empire Sports Media and the NBA for Off the Glass. Alder is from the Philippines and is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey. More about Alder Almo