With the offseason trade front hitting the inevitable lull, some Lakers fans may have held out hope for another blockbuster deal. However, one insider says they can pump the brakes on any rumors surrounding an Eastern Conference standout.
Lakers No Longer Interested in High-Profile Trade Target
Woike Shuts Down Lakers-Heat Talks
In a Monday interview on “The Zach Lowe Show,” Lakers beat writer Dan Woike revealed the team has no interest in Miami Heat forward Andrew Wiggins, who was previously linked to the purple and gold leading up to free agency.
When Lowe said he “didn’t understand” why the Lakers “sniffed around Wiggins,” Woike replied: “They’re not interested in Andrew Wiggins. I think I can put that to bed.”
After arriving in Miami at the trade deadline, Wiggins averaged 19.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.3 assists and a block on .458/.360/.731 splits. The 2022 NBA champion is set to make $28 million next season before a $30 million player option in 2026-27—an offseason the Lakers are hoping to clear the books for.
The negotiations around Wiggins stalled when Miami reportedly asked for Rui Hachimura, Dalton Knecht and a first-round pick, according to team insider Jovan Buha. Hachimura holds high acclaim among Lakers executives and fans alike, while Knecht has found his groove in this year’s NBA Summer League. LA’s 2031 first-round pick, meanwhile, remains one of their most valuable assets in terms of draft capital. Only next offseason will they have access to tradable first-rounders in 2026 and 2033.
While Wiggins would fit well in a position of need, it’s a blessing in disguise that trade talks fell through. Now, the Lakers will be able to develop the talent around LeBron James and Luka Doncic, who have a full summer to gel ahead of a critical 2025-26 campaign. Hachimura and Knecht became integral parts of head coach JJ Redick’s rotation, and they’ll each be able to showcase their growth and iron out their fit alongside LA’s superstars next season.
No Wiggins Trade; What’s Next?
Even with the Lakers holding off on trading for Wiggins, many suspect their free agent signings won’t be the last dominoes to fall. LA still has three players on expiring contracts, and fans would rather see one of them leave now instead of waiting to deal at the deadline.
Last week, ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel noted the Lakers were “actively looking for a new defensive player on the perimeter/wing,” adding: “I’d expect them to make a trade for one by the end of the month.” Fans should not get their hopes up with that last statement, but the Lakers still have a chance to wake up a recently dormant trade market.
Siegel added it’s “worth keeping an eye on Portland” as a possible trade partner, citing the “strong relationship” between Lakers president Rob Pelinka and Portland GM Joe Cronin. One Blazer previously mentioned as a trade target? Matisse Thybulle.
A two-time All-Defensive Second Team selection, Thybulle would be a worthy addition to the Lakers. The 28-year-old recently averaged 7.5 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.2 steals while shooting 43% from deep. Although he missed most of last season due to knee and ankle ailments, he’s one of several promising names the team could consider for guard/wing depth.
The Last Word
The Lakers’ lack of interest in Wiggins should not signal that their offseason is over. The front office has a knack for keeping things close to the vest, and there’s still a chance this roster could change between now and September training camp.
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