The Los Angeles Lakers may need to pursue Andrew Wiggins a bit more seriously after the recent trade made by the Cleveland Cavaliers and Sacramento Kings. And that may be exactly what the Miami Heat needs to hear ahead of the NBA Trade Deadline.
Los Angeles was reportedly interested in both Keon Ellis and De'Andre Hunter heading into the trade deadline. But now that both are headed for fresh starts with the Cavs and Kings, respectively, the Lakers are going to have to look elsewhere if they hope to add a difference-making wing before the deadline.
That's why all roads for the Lakers could lead to Wiggins and the Heat.
The Lakers have been linked to Wiggins before, and he does fit the bill of what they could be looking for. As Miami continues to see a pathway to acquire more first-round picks in an attempt to beef up its pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo, this could be a move that is viewed as a huge win-win for both sides.
Are the Lakers willing to seriously negotiate for Andrew Wiggins?
Of course, the holdup between the Heat and Lakers in the past has reportedly been a first-round pick.
The Heat wants one in any trade for Wiggins, and the Lakers aren't necessarily in a rush to give one up. The question is, will that change between now and the NBA Trade Deadline?
It's tough to predict right now. On one hand, the Lakers should probably try to make a win-now move. However, at the same time, they have a pretty uncertain future beyond Luka Doncic. And until they get some resolution on some of their biggest questions, it may not be that smart to burn one of their few first-round picks they have at their disposal - especially if it's in a move for a possible rental player.
With the opportunity to test free agency after this season, Wiggins could be viewed as that at this point. Do the Lakers believe they're a Wiggins away from emerging as a serious contender in the West?
If so, perhaps they may ultimately pull the trigger on a move. But if they don't think they are, it'd be shocking to see Los Angeles make a potentially irresponsible move, especially if it's one that helps the Heat get one step closer to acquiring Giannis.
But, in theory, if the Lakers are still looking for a two-way wing, Wiggins may be the most attainable one on the trade block. It's going to cost them, but they may have quietly emerged as the most sensible landing spot for Wiggins with a few days left before the trade deadline.