After pulling off a pair of upset victories in the 2025 play-in tournament, the Miami Heat made an unlikely appearance in the first round of the Eastern playoffs. But after an embarrassing showing against the Cavaliers (who won in a clean 4-0 sweep), there's a growing sense that change is coming to the 3x NBA champions.
It wasn't that long ago that the Heat were thriving as a top team in the league. With Jimmy Butler leading the way, they managed to make two Finals appearances from 2020 to 2023. In the aftermath of his dramatic departure, however, the franchise hit rock bottom this season, and fans have never been more concerned about the future.
Like many other teams, the Heat are expected to be heavily involved in free agency and the trade market, but options will be limited unless they want to trade one of their major core players. As a relative newcomer to the team, Andrew Wiggins is arguably the most expendable, and he's good enough to command a decent return in any trade deal. As it stands, these are some of the best deals for Wiggins, who averaged 18.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game in the 2024-25 campaign.
Cavaliers Fill A Hole On The Wing
Proposed Trade Details
Miami Heat Receive: De'Andre Hunter, 2028 second-round pick
Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: Andrew Wiggins
The Cavaliers have long been searching for a small forward to play alongside Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen, and Evan Mobley. Despite having a well-rounded starting lineup, they don't have a reliable fourth option and it's no secret that they could struggle to meet their team's ridiculously high payroll. While not an MVP-level scorer, Wiggins is an affordable option who does enough as a shooter and isolation scorer that he can provide a boost for the Cavs' already high-powered offense. Plus, as a veteran with All-Star experience, many would consider him an upgrade over anyone else they have at the position right now.
In return, the Miami Heat get a reasonable package in De'Andre Hunter (who is younger and cheaper than Wiggins), who averaged 17.0 points per game for the Cavs this season. His overall impact may be lower than Wiggins' but he he could still provide a similar level of production without taking on such a big role. Plus, with that future second-round pick coming in, the Heat could add to their growing stockpile of assets.
Lakers Go All-In On The Championship Pursuit
Proposed Trade Details
Miami Heat Receive: Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, 2030 first-round pick
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Andrew Wiggins
The Luka Doncic trade altered the Lakers' timeline but they still have an urgency to win now, while LeBron James is still active in the NBA. After being eliminated in the first round this year, the front office is feeling more pressure than ever to make a move and fill their greatest areas of need: small forward and center. It would be a costly package for the Lakers but might be worth it to connect a wing scorer like Wiggs next to two superstars who will enhance his game. At the very least, he's a more reliable scoring option than Rui Hachimura, who is streaky at best.
Meanwhile, the Heat would land a lucrative return that includes a future first-round draft pick (the ultimate prize) along with two young wing players. While not stars by any stretch, Rui and Vanderbilt could thrive under Erik Spoelstra's elite coaching, and, together, they could help Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro make the Heat competitive in the East. The important thing for the Heat here is that they add depth and draft capital without giving up too much of their established young core (Jaime Jaquez Jr., Nikola Jovic, Kel'el Ware).
Suns Start Fresh Without Kevin Durant
Proposed Trade Details
Miami Heat Receive: Kevin Durant
Phoenix Suns Receive: Andrew Wiggins, Haywood Highsmith, Jamie Jaquez, 2029 first-round pick, 2030 first-round pick
In this trade scenario, the Heat would be giving back three players (including Wiggins) and two first-round picks for the serices of Kevin Durant. The 2x champion is reportedly on the block this summer and the Suns are expected to canvass the league for the best offers. With mutual interest, the Heat are now consideres among the favorites to land Durant and his arrival would signal the return of title contention for the first time in two years. At the very least, he'd form a borderline big three with Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro that could make a lot of noise during the season.
For the Suns, giving up Durant will not be an easy assignment but they owe to their fans to find a trade that will re-open their championship window. After finishing 11th ithe standings this season, it's clear something needs to change and swapping Durant for package that incluses a former All-Star, two young players, and two first-round picks is certainly not a bad idea.
Pistons Get Help For Cade Cunningham
Proposed Trade Details
Miami Heat Receive: Jaden Ivey, Ausar Thompson, Ron Holland II, 2030 first-round pick
Detroit Pistons Receive: Andrew Wiggins
With the additions of Tobias Harris and Malik Beasley last summer, the Pistons made a massive leap from NBA bottom-feeders to a respectable playoff team. They finished sixth in the East this season and lost in the first round of the playoffs, but they are still a team on the rise and Wiggins could be the one who brings them to the next level. His NBA experience, and relaible scoring on the wing, would make life much easier for Cade Cunningham, who has emerged as their leading star.
In exchange for Wiggins, the Heat would get back a solid return that includes high-scoring guard Jaden Ivey along with Ausar Thompson, who averaged 10.1 points per game this season. The Heat could develop these players to be highly effecive in their role and they could use the pick to help find a co-star for Bam Adebayo. If nothing else, this deal at least gives Miami some depth at multiple positions, which is a flaw that has held them back for years.
In the end, it's impossible to say how things will play out this summer but with so much expected activity, teams that don't make a move quickly will be at risk of falling behind. Coming off his trade from the Warriors at the deadline, Wiggins would probably prefer to stay in Miami but Pat Riley may have other plans as he seeks to improve the roster by any means necessary.
