Despite the buzz on social media, there’s no truth to the rumor that Rui Hachimura is heading to Miami in a blockbuster deal involving Andrew Wiggins. The talk of a three-team trade involving the Lakers, Heat, and Nets? Completely made up.
The rumor gained traction after a parody account on X posted a fake report claiming the Lakers were sending Hachimura to the Heat in exchange for Wiggins, with the Brooklyn Nets supposedly landing Maxi Kleber and a 2031 first-round pick from L.A. The post even mimicked the style of a major sports outlet to add a layer of credibility. But let’s be clear: there’s no deal, no movement, and no confirmation from any legitimate source.
That hasn’t stopped fans and mock trade machines from running wild with the idea. Some hypothetical trade scenarios floating around have the Lakers sending Hachimura, rookie Dalton Knecht, and a future first-rounder to Miami for Wiggins.
On paper, it’s intriguing. Hachimura is in the final year of his deal, making $18.2 million, and he’s set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer.
That kind of expiring contract is always attractive around the trade deadline, especially for teams looking to clear cap space or make a playoff push.
The Lakers, for their part, reportedly aren’t in a rush to lock Hachimura into a long-term extension. They’re keeping their options open, prioritizing flexibility both in terms of cap space and roster construction. That doesn’t necessarily mean Hachimura is on the move, but it does mean his name is likely to keep popping up in trade chatter as the deadline approaches.
As for Wiggins, Miami seems to be holding firm. Reports suggest the Heat are in no hurry to move him, especially not to a team led by LeBron James.
According to one anonymous league executive, there’s still some lingering tension between Pat Riley and LeBron stemming from James’ 2014 departure from Miami. Riley, who was reportedly blindsided when LeBron chose to return to Cleveland after the Heat’s Finals loss to the Spurs, hasn’t forgotten how it all went down.
“I’d be stunned if Pat did this trade,” the executive said. “You really think Pat wants to help LeBron?
He’s still mad about LeBron leaving Miami. I don’t see it happening.”
That sentiment seems to reflect the broader stance from Miami’s front office. The Heat aren’t just going to hand over a player like Wiggins-who still offers two-way value when healthy and engaged-especially if it means potentially boosting a Western Conference contender with LeBron at the helm. If the Lakers want to make a serious run at Wiggins, it’s going to cost them, and even then, Riley may not be inclined to pick up the phone.
So for now, Hachimura remains in purple and gold, and Wiggins stays put in South Beach. The trade deadline is fast approaching, and while the rumor mill is spinning at full speed, this particular deal isn’t one to bank on.