Lakers’ New Aggressive Trade Mindset: Is Andrew Wiggins the Key?

For most of the summer, the Los Angeles Lakers were not considered a team to make aggressive moves in the trade market. There were reports suggesting that the Lakers were not interested in taking on long-term contracts and would rather evaluate their current roster rather than make any major trade moves before the trade deadline. However, in the past week, this narrative has shifted dramatically. The Lakers are now reportedly taking a much more aggressive approach to the trade market, even willing to absorb long-term contracts if the right player comes along. One name that has surfaced repeatedly in trade rumors is Andrew Wiggins.

A Shifting Mentality

Earlier in the offseason, the Lakers had shown little interest in acquiring Wiggins, citing concerns about his contract, which extends beyond just this season. The Lakers’ reluctance to pursue Wiggins seemed rooted in their desire to maintain financial flexibility and avoid tying themselves to a long-term deal that could limit their ability to make moves in future seasons. However, reports have now emerged that the Lakers have reevaluated their stance on trades, especially after securing a long-term commitment from Luka Dončić.

Luka Dončić’s three-year, $160 million extension, signed in August, appears to have been a turning point for the Lakers. The commitment to Dončić has shifted the team’s focus from a short-term strategy to a more long-term vision. The renewed focus on building a team around Dončić has opened the door for the Lakers to pursue players like Wiggins, even though he’s under contract for the next two years.

The Andrew Wiggins Trade Rumors

The Lakers are now reportedly much more open to trading for Andrew Wiggins. In fact, they are said to be discussing a potential deal with the Miami Heat that would involve moving Dalton Knecht, a former first-round pick, and possibly some expiring contracts, including Gabe Vincent or Maxi Kleber. While the Lakers are willing to engage in these discussions, Miami is reportedly asking for a future first-round draft pick as part of the deal.

Earlier in the offseason, Miami had been rumored to be seeking Rui Hachimura in any potential trade involving Wiggins, but it appears that this is no longer a sticking point. The Lakers’ change in mentality, driven by their commitment to Dončić and their willingness to explore long-term deals, has made them more open to acquiring Wiggins.

Is the Price Worth It?

At the core of the debate surrounding a potential trade for Wiggins is the question of whether the price is worth it. The Lakers would likely need to part with Knecht, an expiring contract, and possibly a future first-round draft pick. But the bigger issue is Wiggins’ long-term contract, which could complicate the Lakers’ future financial flexibility.

Wiggins is currently under contract for two more years, with a salary of $28.2 million this season and a player option worth $30.1 million next season. Adding Wiggins’ salary to the Lakers’ payroll would put them in a difficult position in terms of cap space, especially when considering the potential for future contracts with other key players.

The Lakers are already committed to Luka Dončić’s $50 million salary, and with Austin Reaves potentially commanding a contract worth $30 million or more, adding Wiggins’ contract could limit the team’s ability to sign another max-level player in the near future. While the Lakers could manage their cap space through creative trade moves and sign-and-trade deals, the addition of Wiggins would make it much more challenging to bring in another superstar player, particularly after LeBron James’ expected departure in the coming seasons.

The Lakers’ Future Financial Strategy

One of the reasons why the Lakers have been hesitant to pursue long-term contracts like Wiggins’ is their plans for the 2026-2027 season and beyond. After Dončić, the Lakers’ guaranteed contracts are few and far between. Aside from Dončić and Jared Vanderbilt, the Lakers have no guaranteed contracts worth more than $10 million for the 2026-2027 season. This leaves the team with significant cap space to potentially sign another max-level player.

However, adding Wiggins’ $30 million contract could complicate these plans. The Lakers would still have some flexibility, but the combination of Dončić, Wiggins, and Reaves would take up a significant portion of the salary cap, leaving little room for future moves. This could make it difficult to build a championship-contending team if the Lakers are locked into these long-term contracts.

Wiggins’ Impact on the Lakers’ Championship Hopes

While the financial concerns are valid, the question remains whether Wiggins would be a good fit for the Lakers in the short term. Wiggins brings valuable experience, having played in the NBA Finals with the Golden State Warriors and contributing to their 2022 championship win. His defensive prowess and ability to score efficiently could be exactly what the Lakers need to complement their current roster.

Wiggins would fit well alongside Dončić, providing another versatile scorer and defender on the wing. His presence would allow the Lakers to have a more balanced offensive attack, especially if they lose LeBron in the near future. Wiggins’ ability to stretch the floor and defend multiple positions would also make him a valuable asset in the postseason, where the Lakers will need all the firepower they can get.

However, the question still remains whether the Lakers can afford to give up future assets for a player with a contract that could limit their financial flexibility down the line. The Lakers’ future strategy hinges on their ability to balance short-term success with long-term sustainability, and adding Wiggins could potentially jeopardize that balance.

An Alternative Path for the Lakers

If the Lakers are truly focused on building around Dončić and creating a long-term contender, it might make more sense for them to pursue a different type of player. Rather than targeting a high-priced, long-term contract like Wiggins, the Lakers could look for a younger, more affordable player who could contribute in the short term without tying up the team’s cap space for years to come.

A player like Matisse Thybulle or Haywood Highsmith, both of whom are known for their two-way abilities, could be a more cost-effective option. These players would fit into the Lakers’ system without the burden of a long-term contract, allowing them to maintain financial flexibility in future seasons. This approach would also enable the Lakers to pursue another max-level player in the coming years, keeping their championship window open for longer.

Conclusion: Is Wiggins Worth the Risk?

The Lakers’ shift in mentality towards being more aggressive on the trade market has opened up the possibility of acquiring Andrew Wiggins. While Wiggins could be a valuable addition to the Lakers’ roster, especially in the short term, his long-term contract raises concerns about the team’s financial flexibility.

Ultimately, whether the Lakers should pursue Wiggins depends on their long-term goals and their willingness to commit to a core of Dončić, Wiggins, and Reaves. If the Lakers are willing to take on Wiggins’ contract in the hopes of winning a championship in the next few years, the trade could be worth it. However, if the Lakers are focused on building a sustainable contender for the long haul, they may want to consider alternative options that don’t come with the same financial risk.

The decision will ultimately come down to whether the Lakers believe Wiggins is the missing piece to their championship puzzle—or if they’re better off exploring other avenues for the future.