With the NBA trade deadline less than two months away, some early rumors are heating up. According to a report from HoopsHype's Michael Scotto, the Miami Heat have been looking around at what Andrew Wiggins might be able to fetch on the trade market.
Scotto writes: Miami has gauged the trade market on small forward Andrew Wiggins, who has a $30.17 million player option for the 2026-27 season.
This rumor makes sense when you consider it within the context of how the Heat's season has unfolded so far. Wiggins' skill set has made an impact on both ends, especially in transition and in spacing lineups alongside Miami's more traditional half-court creators, but he’s also coming with a big contract and a player option for 2026–27. It's that kind of situation that lends itself toward a team trying to take advantage of a player whose value may never be higher than it is right now.
It’s also true that the Heat’s identity has always been rooted in defense and toughness. Erik Spoelstra has engineered some of the most resilient rotations in recent memory, and Miami’s ability to bend without breaking in close games remains one of their core strengths. But the Heat may believe they can get equal or better value elsewhere for a guy who still fits their vision.
The Heat may want to find a trade partner for Andrew Wiggins
One of the things Miami has struggled with this year is consistent shooting and secondary creation output. If Miami can find an asset that alleviates offensive load and fits the long-term vision, that could be too good to pass up. Especially when Wiggins’ player option gives him the leverage to walk after next season if things don’t go well.
Another factor Miami has to consider is how their rotation has been shaped by the overall pace they want to play at. Balancing minutes between wing defenders and offensive initiators can be tricky, and Spoelstra has shown he won’t hesitate to tweak lineups to get the best performers on the floor. With the deadline approaching, you have to think about what's going to be best for the group beyond just this current season.
The Heat started 2025-26 a bit stronger than what they've been showing in more recent weeks. Other teams are making moves, and sitting still could mean falling behind that much more. Exploring Wiggins’ market value now could give Miami assets they can either use to improve immediately or flip later for draft capital.
It’s far from a certainty that Wiggins gets moved, but the fact that Miami is testing the waters tells you a lot about what they're thinking. They’re not afraid to make tough decisions if they think it improves the club’s trajectory. And whatever they decide, it'll have as much to do with future flexibility as with present competitiveness.