The Los Angeles Lakers are off to a strong start in the 2025-26 NBA season, and while fans are enjoying the ride, the message coming from inside the building is clear: there’s still more work to do. Head coach JJ Redick, never one to get caught up in early-season hype, recently said the team has “a lot of room for improvement” even after a seven-game winning streak. That kind of mindset speaks volumes-and it might explain why trade buzz is already swirling in L.A.
One of the latest trade proposals making the rounds involves Miami Heat forward Andrew Wiggins, a player whose stock has been steadily rising since his move to South Beach earlier this year. Wiggins landed in Miami on February 6, 2025, as part of a complex five-team deal that sent Jimmy Butler to the Golden State Warriors. Since then, Wiggins has been doing more than just fitting in-he’s been producing, and producing big.
His highlight reel already includes a buzzer-beating lob-dunk that sealed a dramatic 140-138 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers. But it’s not just about the flash. Through 17 games this season, Wiggins is averaging 17.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.2 steals per game-numbers that reflect both his scoring touch and his two-way versatility.
That’s the kind of profile that’s caught the Lakers’ attention. A proposed three-team trade, originally floated by a Lakers analyst, would bring Wiggins to Los Angeles alongside Robert Williams III and Matisse Thybulle-two more players known for their defensive chops. The full trade scenario looks like this:
Lakers Receive:
- Andrew Wiggins
- Robert Williams III
- Matisse Thybulle
Heat Receive:
- Rui Hachimura
- Gabe Vincent
- Dalton Knecht
- 2031 First-Round Pick
Trail Blazers Receive:
- Jared Vanderbilt
- Maxi Kleber
- 2032 Second-Round Pick
Under this proposal, the Lakers would end up with 12 players on the roster and $2.7 million under the first salary cap apron. To hit the league minimum of 14 players, they’d convert two-way contracts of Nick Smith Jr. and Drew Timme.
Now, let’s talk fit. Wiggins would bring a much-needed boost to the Lakers’ perimeter defense while still offering reliable scoring from the wing.
Robert Williams III, if healthy, is one of the league’s most disruptive interior defenders and a strong lob threat. And Thybulle?
He’s a defensive specialist who could thrive in a system that values switchability and effort on that end.
From the Lakers’ perspective, this move would be about more than just talent-it’s about identity. Redick has emphasized defensive intensity and versatility, and this trio would help reinforce that vision. It’s also a clear signal that the front office is willing to be aggressive in pursuit of a deeper playoff push.
On the Miami side, Wiggins has been a bright spot in what’s been a solid start to the season. The Heat are currently sitting fourth in the Eastern Conference with a 13-7 record, and Wiggins has been a key reason why.
In their recent game against the Pistons at Kaseya Center, Wiggins turned in a monster performance: 31 points, six rebounds, four assists, and three steals in 37 minutes. He was everywhere.
That game, despite ending in a 135-138 loss, also saw strong outings from Norman Powell (28 points), Bam Adebayo (15 points, 10 rebounds), and Tyler Herro (24 points). The Heat’s offense is clicking, but the defense has shown some cracks-and that’s where a trade like this could come into play. Acquiring players like Hachimura and Vincent could help balance the roster while also adding depth and flexibility.
As for the Trail Blazers, they’d be taking on Jared Vanderbilt and Maxi Kleber-two role players who could provide toughness and versatility to a young, developing core. The addition of a future second-round pick adds a bit more long-term value.
The Heat are back in action soon, hosting the Clippers at Kaseya Center, and it’ll be interesting to see how the front office approaches the next stretch of the season. Wiggins is making a strong case to be a long-term piece in Miami-but if the right offer comes along, the Heat have never been shy about making bold moves.
For now, it’s just a proposal. But if you’re the Lakers, and you’re serious about climbing into the league’s elite defensive tier, this kind of deal could be a game-changer.