Andrew Wiggins has a huge decision to make on his player option, and the Miami Heat's chances of landing a star player this offseason could be greatly impacted by it in one way or another.
If Wiggins opts into the final year of his contract with the Heat, Miami will have another strong trade asset to shop via trade (one that would likely make a mult-team trade more viable). But if Wiggins opts out, the Heat may very well lose the veteran for nothing in free agency.
Perhaps most importantly, the Heat will lose a valuable trade asset, making a path toward landing a star player much more difficult. Either way, there's a reason to believe that Wiggins will end up playing a big role in the Heat's offseason plans.
Andrew Wiggins closed the season on a high note
Especially with the way he closed the season for the Heat, Wiggins could emerge as a huge trade asset. Despite some inconsistent production throughout the year, Wiggins did have arguably the most efficient offensive season of his career.
Wiggins averaged 15 points and five rebounds per game on 48 percent shooting from the field and 41 percent shooting from 3-point range. His lasting impression across the league? A 27-point and seven-rebound game against the Charlotte Hornets in the Heat's Play-In Tournament loss.
Even though the Heat struggled for much of the year as a team, there's reason to believe that Wiggins could emerge as a strong offseason addition for any contender looking for a supporting piece. On a contender, Wiggins could easily play a vital role.
Andrew Wiggins could emerge as a huge trade asset for the Heat
And that would theoretically make him one of the most attractive veteran pieces on the trade market during the summer. Particularly for the Heat, Wiggins' availability on the trade market could help get a multi-team trade done for a star player.
Wiggins may not be a primary piece of an offer for a star target, but he's the type of asset that could help the Heat entice other teams to jump in a deal.
No matter what Wiggins decides to do with his player option, the Heat's future will largely be impacted by it. From all indications, though, it does seem as if Wiggins has already played his final game in a Heat uniform.
In many ways, Wiggins was the perfect stopgap for what the Heat needed at the time. And still, Wiggins could end up giving the Heat a huge push into the next era of basketball for the franchise.
And it could all start with one big decision.
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