The Miami Heat are no strangers to shaking things up at the trade deadline, and once again, they’re in the thick of it-this time with a name that’s already familiar to both fanbases involved. The Heat and Golden State Warriors have reportedly held direct talks about a potential deal that would send Andrew Wiggins back to the Bay Area, less than a year after trading him to Miami.
This isn’t just a nostalgic move for Golden State-it’s a response to a very real need. The Warriors are navigating a tough stretch following the season-ending ACL injury to the player they acquired in the original Wiggins deal.
With Jimmy Butler also sidelined, the Heat have been forced to reassess their depth and long-term roster flexibility. That’s opened the door for Golden State to explore bringing back a player who not only knows their system but helped them win a title in 2022.
Wiggins, now 30, may not be putting up All-Star numbers, but he’s remained a steady contributor in Miami. Through 43 games this season, he’s averaging 15.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game, while also chipping in 1.0 blocks and 1.2 steals. That two-way impact still matters-especially for a Warriors team that has struggled to regain its defensive identity and needs someone who can switch across multiple positions and take on tough matchups.
Financially, things get a little more complicated. Wiggins is owed $28.2 million this season and holds a $30.1 million player option for 2026-27.
Miami reportedly wants at least a first-round pick in return, which makes sense-they’re giving up a reliable two-way wing who’s still producing and under contract. That price tag might give Golden State pause, especially considering their current cap situation.
The Warriors are already $11.6 million over the first luxury tax apron and are teetering on the edge of the second. That’s where Jonathan Kuminga’s name starts to surface.
His $22.5 million contract could be part of the conversation, especially if the Warriors are looking to match salary and create some financial breathing room. Kuminga’s development has been uneven, and while his upside remains intriguing, Golden State might be more focused on short-term stability than long-term potential at this point in the season.
What makes this situation particularly interesting is the familiarity factor. Wiggins knows Steve Kerr’s system.
He’s played alongside Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green. That chemistry doesn’t need to be built-it just needs to be reignited.
And for a Warriors team fighting to stay in the playoff hunt, that kind of plug-and-play fit could be invaluable.
On the flip side, the Heat aren’t in the business of giving away assets for nothing. If they’re willing to move Wiggins, it likely means they see an opportunity to retool around Butler and Bam Adebayo, or perhaps clear the books for a bigger swing down the line. Either way, they’re not going to part with a productive wing unless the return moves the needle.
This is a trade scenario that checks a lot of boxes for both sides-but it’s also one that hinges on timing, cap gymnastics, and how much each front office values the pieces involved. If it comes together, it’ll be a reunion with real implications for the Western Conference playoff picture-and potentially a turning point for two teams trying to find their footing in a chaotic season.