When the Miami Heat acquired Andrew Wiggins in the midseason Jimmy Butler blockbuster trade, they were getting a proven All-Star with elite two-way capabilities. However, will his success last longer term in South Beach?
Out of the 21 games after the Butler trade, Wiggins has dealt with injuries that has kept him out for eight of them.
With the plethora of issues this Heat roster already has, a key piece being in and out of the lineup only hurts the continuity that is attempting to be built. Unfortunately, that key piece was essentially Butler’s replacement.
The production on the court has been undeniably as good as expected. After Friday night’s 10th consecutive loss, Wiggins became the first Heat player since LeBron James and Chris Bosh to have a single quarter of at least 20 points on 100% shooting.
Despite Miami’s embarrassing 10-game losing streak, Andrew Wiggins’ efforts should not go unnoticed
The former 2022 All-Star has displayed plenty of two-way skills during his Miami Heat tenure thus far, and put together the best outing of his season during last night’s loss. pic.twitter.com/VPiaWaGjzU
https://twitter.com/AllUCanHeat1/status/1903470935169982670?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
His 30-point masterclass would ultimately be squandered at the hands of the Houston Rockets.
But in his brief Heat tenure, Wiggins has averaged 19.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.9 assists and two stocks on 45% shooting. He has done his job on both ends of the floor, but his inconsistency in staying on the court could pose a problem in the long haul.
Andrew Wiggins is on a team-friendly salary of $28 million for next season.
Considering the talent and potential out of Wiggins in the prime of his career, the Heat could opt to sell high on him this upcoming summer. His contract, skill set and age would make him an attractive piece to opposing teams on the market.
Granted it is still early in his career in Miami, the lingering injury issues could lead to Pat Riley pulling the plug early, especially if they continue during this end of season stretch.
Teams would certainly line up to make bids on acquiring a player like Wiggins, and if there’s a potential Kevin Durant deal on the table, Riley would have to do his due diligence. The Phoenix Suns reportedly had interest in Wiggins prior to this year’s trade deadline, and they could have another chance at pursuing the 30-year-old forward this offseason.
Giving up on Wiggins’ natural two-way talent would only be justified in a needle-moving deal for the Heat. And who else fits that description better than Durant? The future Hall of Famer is widely expected to be the hottest name that shakes free over the summer.
