Andrew Wiggins might be heading back to where it all clicked.
According to league sources, the Warriors and Heat have had preliminary discussions about a trade that would reunite Wiggins with Golden State. The former No. 1 overall pick was part of last season’s blockbuster that sent Jimmy Butler to Miami, but with Butler now sidelined by an ACL tear and Golden State’s wing rotation in flux, the door is open for a potential homecoming.
And make no mistake - there are still people in the Warriors’ building who believe in Wiggins.
Golden State continues to view him as a strong two-way contributor, someone who could slide seamlessly back into Steve Kerr’s system if the roster reshuffles. The Warriors are actively exploring the wing market, and Wiggins, who played a pivotal role in their 2022 title run, checks a lot of boxes. He’s a proven playoff performer, a versatile defender, and someone who knows the culture.
Of course, any trade conversation involving Wiggins is going to be complicated - and expensive.
For starters, Miami is reportedly seeking at least one first-round pick in any deal involving Wiggins. That’s a significant ask, especially for a Warriors team already navigating the tightrope of the second tax apron.
Matching salaries is another hurdle. Jonathan Kuminga’s $22.5 million would be the logical starting point, but Wiggins is owed $28.2 million this season, so Golden State would need to add more salary to make the math work.
Kuminga’s name is key here. He’s been one of the few bright spots in an otherwise uneven Warriors season, and Miami has shown interest in the 21-year-old forward. If Golden State is serious about bringing Wiggins back, Kuminga would almost certainly be part of the package - though that’s a tough pill to swallow for a franchise trying to balance the present with the future.
There’s also a bigger chessboard at play.
Both the Warriors and Heat have been linked to potential pursuits of Giannis Antetokounmpo. Miami, in particular, may prefer to keep Wiggins’ contract as a trade chip in case a superstar becomes available. That strategic consideration could put a pause on any side deal, especially one that doesn’t immediately elevate the Heat’s title odds.
For now, the talks remain exploratory. But with the trade deadline approaching and both franchises facing pivotal decisions, Wiggins’ name is back in the mix - and the idea of a reunion in the Bay isn’t as far-fetched as it once seemed.