Getty

Miami Heat president Pat Riley walks by the court.

The Miami Heat’s plan to retain forward Andrew Wiggins could face pressure from outside interest, longtime NBA insider Marc Stein reported Monday. According to Stein, the Los Angeles Lakers would consider Wiggins a potential target if the Heat decide to prioritize payroll flexibility.

In his “The Stein Line” newsletter, Stein suggested that the Lakers’ reluctance to consider long-term contracts has softened following a cautious offseason. He added that while Los Angeles is unlikely to pursue “just anyone” before the Feb. 5 trade deadline, Wiggins could fit the profile of a two-way swingman capable of raising the team’s ceiling.

“League sources say L.A. would indeed have interest in adding a two-way swingman who can raise their ceiling,” Stein wrote. “My read (if Miami were to make him available): Andrew Wiggins.”

Performance and Playoff Concerns

GettyDonovan Mitchell of the Cleveland Cavaliers guards Andrew Wiggins of the Miami Heat.

Wiggins has posted solid numbers since joining the Heat, averaging 19.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.0 blocks in 17 games. However, his performance dropped sharply during Miami’s 4-0 first-round sweep by the Cleveland Cavaliers, falling to 11.5 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game, which may have influenced discussions about his future.

Greg Sylvander of Five Reasons Sports noted that despite the playoff struggles, Wiggins has impressed the Heat with his preparation during the offseason.

“Also, sounds like Andrew Wiggins has had a great summer with the Heat, who have been impressed with how much time he has spent around team facilities,” Sylvander wrote on Discord.

Trade Speculation

Getty Rui Hachimura reportedly drew interest from the Miami Heat.

Talk of a possible Wiggins trade has circulated since the summer. Anthony Irwin of ClutchPoints reported in June that Miami had expressed interest in Lakers forward Rui Hachimura, on an expiring contract, in a potential deal involving Wiggins. Irwin noted that talks “advanced to the next step,” but nothing was imminent.

Other reports tempered expectations for a deal.

The Athletic’s Dan Woike reported on “The Zach Lowe Show” that the Lakers were not actively pursuing a Wiggins, and Jovan Buha of the “Buha’s Block” podcast described Miami’s asking price — including a first-round pick and incoming second-year wing Dalton Knecht — as steep.

Anthony Chiang and Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reported that the Heat plan to keep Wiggins, with Jackson noting that “nothing” offered so far has been “enticing.” Sun-Sentinel’s Ira Winderman wrote in his Aug. 5 mailbag that any considerations to move Wiggins are likely tied to his $30.2 million player option for 2026-27 rather than his skill set.

“Andrew Wiggins is one of the six best players on the current Heat roster, and arguably in the top two-thirds of that list,” Winderman wrote.

Wiggins’ Status and Value

Wiggins, 30, is entering the second season of a four-year, $109 million contract, earning $28.2 million this year with a $30.2 million player option for 2026-27. He was acquired by Miami in February as part of the blockbuster trade that sent Jimmy Butler to Golden State. Stein noted that Wiggins was also discussed in trade dialogue with Phoenix before the Suns sent Kevin Durant to Houston in June, though the Heat have indicated he will start the season in Miami.

From Miami’s perspective, Wiggins remains a key component of their present team. A versatile wing capable of guarding multiple positions and providing perimeter scoring, he adds playoff experience and athleticism that complement the team’s core. His retention allows Miami to maintain both defensive flexibility and scoring depth while keeping options open for future moves.

Stein’s report underscores that while the Lakers may explore Wiggins as a target, Miami is sending a clear message: Wiggins will only be traded under the right circumstances.

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