The Miami Heat have made it clear through their actions and internal messaging that Andrew Wiggins is not a player they plan to part with lightly.

Despite active interest from the Los Angeles Lakers, including proposals centered around Rui Hachimura and Dalton Knecht plus a first-round pick, Miami’s front office is holding firm with a steep price.

This stance points to a blend of patience and strategic thinking: the Heat want to assess Wiggins’ production and fit with their roster before moving on any deal, especially in light of his two-way versatility and the $28.2 million salary attached to his name for 2025-26, a figure rising to a $30 million player option in 2026-27.

Player Performance and Locker Room Stability

Wiggins delivered stability at multiple positions last season, averaging near 19 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game, including solid defensive outputs and efficient shooting.

Head coach Erik Spoelstra praised Wiggins’ conditioning and noted his choice to relocate his family to Miami as a positive sign of his commitment. Off-court factors, such as family comfort and personal engagement, have further strengthened the case for keeping Wiggins in South Beach through at least the start of 2025-26.

The Heat’s decision to wait and see echoes a broader organizational value on chemistry and continuity, especially in a year where Tyler Herro’s injury opens the door for other roster members to step up.

The Market Dynamic: Rival Frustration Builds

Miami’s stance has frustrated rival front offices, especially the Lakers, who remain hungry for a defensive wing to bolster their lineup alongside LeBron James and Luka Dončić.

Multiple sources confirm that the Lakers balked at Miami’s demand for both promising young assets and future draft capital, finding the asking price too high to justify a deal. NBA executives note that Heat president Pat Riley is unlikely to help a Western Conference rival, particularly given long-standing competitive history.

For now, rival teams, including Golden State, must wait out the situation, hoping Miami’s stance softens as the trade deadline approaches and if Wiggins’ fit fails to reach expectations.

While rumors swirl, the Miami Heat maintain a position of leverage and patience regarding Andrew Wiggins, prioritizing team evaluation and roster stability over rushed deals—forcing rivals to look elsewhere or pay a premium for the coveted wing.