Andrew Wiggins may have finally found the perfect situation for himself with the Miami Heat. Wiggins has been instrumental in the Heat's early success this season, and looks much more comfortable in a role where there's not a ton of pressure on his shoulders.
For Wiggins specifically, that hasn't always been the case. Being selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, there's always been an immeasurable pressure on him to produce at a high level. Since his time in Minnesota (after he was traded for All-NBA player Kevin Love) to even his time with the Golden State Warriors, when they needed him to step up as Draymond Green and Klay Thompson began to fade.
But in this role with the Heat, that's no longer an issue. In Miami's new system, they don't necessarily need Wiggins to be special or live up to the high draft pick expectations. They just need him to be himself. And that's exactly what he's been able to do through the first month of this season.
In 15 games played this season, Wiggins is averaging 17 points, five rebounds, and three assists on 48 percent shooting from the field and 37 percent shooting from 3-point range. In addition to his efficiency on the offensive end of the floor, Wiggins has also been a versatile defender.
The Heat must decide Andrew Wiggins' future
As questions about his future naturally begin to build, it's probably in the best interest of both the Heat and Wiggins to keep this arrangement going.
But the trade whispers aren't going anywhere until there's an official contract extension in place. In fact, just a few days ago, it was reported that the Los Angeles Lakers were keeping tabs on Wiggins as we inch closer to the NBA Trade Deadline.
The Lakers have been linked to Wiggins since the offseason, but at least up to now, there's no real indication that the Heat would have any interest in trading the veteran forward.
And with the way the Heat have played this season with Wiggins in the lineup, there's no reason to think that will change anytime soon. Could there be a surprise trade for a star player that comes up in which the Heat may not have any other option but to trade Wiggins? Sure.
However, I can't imagine that the Heat are going to be interested in selling on Wiggins (especially to a team like the Lakers), just for the sake of doing so.
Wiggins is in a good place with the Heat, and it would make sense (for both sides) if this is a partnership that keeps going for the next few years.