Lakers Eye Trade for Wiggins as NBA Draft Approaches

Los Angeles, CA — The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly in discussions to acquire veteran wing Andrew Wiggins as the NBA Draft approaches. According to ClutchPoints, the Lakers are negotiating with the Miami Heat, who are interested in Rui Hachimura and second-year player Dalton Knecht.

The Heat, looking to make a significant move, have been shopping Wiggins, who joined the team in a February trade that sent Jimmy Butler to the Golden State Warriors. In 17 games with Miami, Wiggins averaged 19 points per game and helped the team in their playoff run.

At 30 years old, Wiggins may not be in his prime but could serve as a reliable third option alongside superstars LeBron James and Luka Dončić. Hachimura, who averaged 13.1 points and 5.0 rebounds per game last season, stepped into a starting role and demonstrated his shooting ability with a 41 percent success rate from three-point range.

However, acquiring Wiggins could require more than just Hachimura. The addition of Knecht, who posted 9.1 points per game and shot 37.6 percent from deep in his rookie season, might sweeten the deal for Miami. Knecht’s affordable rookie contract could make him an enticing asset.

If the Lakers are unwilling to part with Hachimura, Knecht, or another player, they may need to consider including future draft picks to make this trade happen. With the NBA Draft on the horizon, both teams look to finalize their strategies before the season begins.