Report: Potential Pieces of Lakers, Heat Talks Revealed

The Lakers have spun the tires on trade talks weeks ahead of training camp, revamping their search for two-way wings while coming to grips with what it could cost them.

Report: Potential Pieces of Lakers, Heat Talks Revealed

Sidery: Lakers Open to Moving Knecht in Package for Wiggins

According to Forbes NBA insider Evan Sidery, the Lakers and Heat have “reopened” trade talks around former champion and All-Star Andrew Wiggins, with forward Dalton Knecht once again in the mix.

“Los Angeles is very open to moving former first-round pick Dalton Knecht alongside necessary expiring salary,” Sidery posted on X Saturday. “Miami wants a future first-round pick attached in the package.”

This development comes days after a reported shift in the Lakers’ strategy, as they are now open to receiving long-term salary to build around Luka Doncic.

An athletic three-level scorer who frequently guards opposing stars, Wiggins has returned to the spotlight of Lakers trade rumors months after initial talks went nowhere. With the team’s frontcourt needs still glaring and the season inching closer, many Lakers fans and analysts view him as a legitimate upgrade. However, replies to Sindery’s report drew skepticism over Miami’s asking price.

“Not getting a first because any  one on one team trade would have to include Rui,” Fred Robledo, a sports editor for the Southern California News Group, wrote in response. “No way they get Rui, Knecht, filler AND first rounder for 30 year old Wiggins who has an extra years worth of salary.”

Some Lakers fans appeared comfortable with surrendering their lone tradable first-round pick, while others cautioned against it, believing Heat President Pat Riley is “trying to finesse” his former franchise.

The Curious Case of Knecht

Drafted 17th overall in 2024, Knecht has re-emerged in trade rumors months after the rescinded trade that would’ve sent him to Charlotte. Despite a decent rookie campaign (9.1 PPG on 37.6% 3PT), his Summer League struggles significantly affected his trade value.

In six games between Sacramento and Las Vegas, Knecht averaged 11.7 points and 4.8 rebounds on .321/.237/.643 splits. Lakers insider Jovan Buha soon reported that, according to his sources, Knecht was “no longer worth a first-round valuation.”