Heat Holding Firm on Wiggins as Trade Deadline Chatter Heats Up
With the NBA trade deadline fast approaching on February 5, the rumor mill is in full swing. And once again, Andrew Wiggins finds himself at the center of it. But according to recent intel, the Miami Heat are making one thing clear: Wiggins isn’t on the table-at least not right now.
The Los Angeles Lakers reportedly expressed interest in the 6-foot-6 wing, who’s earning $28 million this season. On paper, Wiggins fits the mold of what contenders like the Lakers are looking for-an athletic, switchable 3-and-D wing who can space the floor and take on tough defensive assignments.
Plugging him next to stars like LeBron James, Luka Doncic, or Austin Reaves makes a lot of basketball sense. But the Heat haven’t been moved by what L.A. is offering, and they’ve signaled they’re not actively shopping Wiggins.
This is Wiggins’ first full season in Miami after being acquired in the blockbuster February deal that sent Jimmy Butler to Golden State. Since arriving in South Beach, Wiggins has been steady-maybe not spectacular, but certainly effective.
Through 26 games, he’s averaging 15.8 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.8 assists while shooting a solid 46.8% from the field and 38.8% from beyond the arc. That kind of production, coupled with his defensive versatility, makes him a valuable piece for a team that still sees itself as a playoff threat.
But value cuts both ways. Wiggins’ name has surfaced in trade rumors ever since he landed in Miami.
Last offseason, both the Lakers and Bucks reportedly kicked the tires on his availability. Nothing came of it, but the interest was there-and likely still is.
The Heat, sitting at 15-15 and clinging to the 8th seed in the East, are in a bit of a funk. They’ve dropped three straight and eight of their last ten.
That kind of skid tends to stir up trade talk, especially for a franchise that’s never been shy about making bold moves. Miami’s front office is known for being aggressive when the moment calls for it, and with a .500 record and a roster that’s struggled to find consistency, the temptation to shake things up is real.
Wiggins, with his $28 million salary, gives Miami some flexibility if they decide to swing big. Matching salaries is one of the trickier parts of building a blockbuster deal under the current CBA, and Wiggins’ contract could be a key piece in any major trade package. He’s been floated in speculative trades involving names like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Ja Morant, and Trae Young-not because those deals are imminent, but because Wiggins’ salary and skill set make him a logical piece in any superstar pursuit.
There’s also the long-term angle to consider. Wiggins holds a $30 million player option for the 2026-27 season.
That opt-out could appeal to teams looking for financial flexibility or preparing for a rebuild. For playoff hopefuls, he’s a plug-and-play wing who brings postseason experience and two-way impact.
For now, though, Miami is holding firm. They’re not actively shopping Wiggins, and they haven’t been enticed by what’s out there.
But as we all know, things can change quickly in this league. One phone call, one losing streak, or one injury could shift the Heat’s stance in a hurry.
Until then, Wiggins remains in Miami-still producing, still defending, and still very much a player to watch as the deadline draws near.