-
![Profile picture of LakerTom]()
LakerTom wrote a new post
-
![Profile picture of LakerTom]()
LakerTom wrote a new post
1 Comment -
![Profile picture of Jamie Sweet]()
Jamie Sweet wrote a new post
![]()
Read MoreThere’s so much outside noise around Wiggins to the Lakers for 3 capable players (generally Rui, Gabe and Dalton) AND a 1st round pick that I felt it was time for a true comparison to the alleged primary pieces in the trade. Those players being Rui Hachimura and Andrew Wiggins. We’ll get into hard data and then get into more intangible aspects and expected roles.
Looking at the numbers:
Name PPG FG% 3 pt. FG% Steals Blocks Assists DefRtg OffRtg GP MP Rui 13.1 50.9 41.3 .6 .4 1.4 117 123 59 31.7 Wiggins 18 44.8 37.4 1 1 2.6 113 113 60 30.7 In all honesty both players bring a very similar level of impact. Wiggins, who generally has a larger role on his teams, produces more raw ppg, albeit less efficiently. Rui, who plays his specific role very well for us, is the better three point marksman albeit on fewer attempts (Wiggins attempted 9.5 making 3.8 to Rui’s 4.8 attempts and 2.0 makes). Wiggins defensive rating is better, Rui’s offense is better (significantly, I would say) and more efficient across the board. Where Wiggins is superior is in getting to the free throw line (6.8 FTA/game to Rui’s 2.2, both shoot about 77% with Rui having a slight advantage there by .4%). So if they were making the same amount of money you could argue that it would be a decent lateral move.
They’re not making the same amount of money, though. Not even close:
Rui Hachimura: $18, 259, 259 (expires in the summer)
Andrew Wiggins: $28, 223, 215 (player option for $30, 169, 644 for 2025-26 season)So when you factor that in, along with having to add two players that were mainstays in the rotation last season in Vincent and Knecht AND a first round pick, it starts to get confusing as to why so many fans are really into this idea. If you add just Gabe Vincent’s impact to our roster this deal gets worse for LA:
PPG FG% 3pt FG% Steals Blocks Assists DefRtg OffRtg GP MP 6.4 40.0 35.3 .7 .2 1.4 118 108 72 21.2 I’m not saying Gabe tore it up, it was definitely a down year for him, especially in the playoffs. The same can be said for Wiggins, though, who dropped off a cliff as his first playoff series as a member of the Heat. But just combination of Rui and Vincent is more than what Wiggins would potentially bring to the table. With the addition of Smart, Vincent is also our 3rd guard on a team short on guards (Reaves, Smart, Vincent…that’s it). So including him in a potential deal makes it even more of a priority that Smart plays in 70-80% of the games. Not very realistic given his career and injury history. You can pencil Marcus in for roughly 55-60 games, I’d say, as a best case scenario. That, subsequently, puts a ton of pressure on Reaves. Which may or may not be a good thing given his own limitations.
Furthermore, with Luka and LeBron on the team, you need some guards to play defense on the perimeter. It’s unrealistic, especially in the regular season, to say you’re playing 2 guards all year long. Yes, I know we have Bronny…c’mon man. Dude isn’t ready for a significant NBA role. That’s where Gabe comes in. Again, are there better guards out there? Sure, but this is who we have now. Trading 3 players for 1 given the current roster construction, might not be the smartest move we could make.
The main sticking point, for me, is the first round pick. We have 1 we can trade this season and, if we exercise discipline, 3 on draft day next summer when we could be looking to replace LeBron and/or Reaves, potentially. Not having that pick next summer means we’ll be settling further and further down the talent ladder. 3 picks and matching contracts/cap relief gets you in the door for almost any player. 2 picks…notsomuch. Not when guys like Bridges and Gobert netted 4 FRPs (albeit with protections). Make them unprotected, add a swap and a 2nd rounder and that’s something that a Denver or a Milwaukee can theoretically live with if their superstar demands to be sent to play with Luka.
Lastly, you have to wonder how invested in basketball Wiggins is these days. Nobody should begrudge someone who grows apart or away from something. It happens all the time. I think it’s safe to say, however, that there’s no way in Hell Golden State would have traded him for Jimmy Buckets if they thought his head was 100% in the game. For the past two, two and a half season, it clearly was not and that is supported by drop offs across the board in both efficiency and raw numbers.
I’d feel a lot differently if the deal was for Kleber, Vincent, Knecht and a FRP or no pick and Rui…although that’s my least favorite version. I mainly think that, given what his role on our team would be, it’s an overpay because Rui and he are slightly different versions of the same player. When you don’t have a ton of assets you can’t afford to be cavalier. Otherwise you end up in a Russel Westbrook type situation. One ball, too many dudes that need it.
In conclusion, Miami has all but said Wiggins is off the market because they want to see how this all works. The sweetener we have is the sweetener we got: one first round pick we can trade in 2030. Oh and our 2nd round pick in 2025, I believe. Other than that the cupboard is bare, my friends. If you look at what the other teams in contention are doing they’re definitely not burning picks for duplicative players already on the roster. Lakers need to be smart, not foolhardy.3 Comments-
![Profile picture of LakerTom]()
Hi, Jamie,
While I don’t agree with you regarding the value of Rui Hachimura and Andrew Wiggins, I like seeing you expand from just ‘5 Things’ articles. I know everybody sees this as a Rui versus Andrew issue but it’s just about what the Lakers need in their starting lineup.
Do they need a defense-first player like Andrew Wiggins rather than an offense-first player like Rui Hachimura? Or Austin Reaves? The Lakers’ dilemma right now is there isn’t a single defense-first player in the projected starting lineup. This will not be Lakers starting lineup.
You can argue LeBron can play defense, Austin’s not that bad, Luka’s getting better, Rui works hard, and Deandre is better than Jax. You can even argue that Austin Reaves should go to the bench to make room for Marcus Smart rather than benching or trading Rui.
I admit Wiggins is a little bit of an enigma. He gets injured and sometimes seems to not be motivated. On the other hand, the reality is he is still considered to be an elite perimeter defender whom would certainly be worth a first round pick if he was not owed $60 million.
Frankly, I’d like to keep Rui for his 3-point shooting and offense. Right now, the only thing the Lakers want from Gabe is to dump his salary. The biggest reason to trade for Wiggins in my opinion is we will need $60 million in tradable contracts next draft day to get Giannis.
That’s why the Lakers are hot on Wiggins again. He could not only help LeBron and Luka win the Lakers’ 18th NBA championship but his $30 million player option is exactly what they might need to make a blockbuster trade for Giannis on draft day next summer.
As for value of trading chips. I firmly believe Andrew Wiggins and 2 picks will be more valuable trading chips next summer on draft day than just 3 picks. Wiggins will help the Lakers win the world championship and make his value more like 2 draft picks.
-
![Profile picture of Jamie Sweet]()
Wiggins is assuredly not the same equivalent worth as a FRP. its a totaloy different math problem.
-
![Profile picture of Jamie Sweet]()
Let alone 2…lol
-
-
-
-
![Profile picture of LakerTom]()
LakerTom wrote a new post
-
![Profile picture of LakerTom]()
LakerTom wrote a new post
-
![Profile picture of LakerTom]()
LakerTom wrote a new post
![Profile Photo]()
liked this
2 Comments-
![Profile picture of LakerTom]()
From above article:
1. Acquire Andrew Wiggins From The Heat
Los Angeles Lakers Receive:
-Andrew Wiggins
-Jaime Jaquez Jr.Miami Heat Receive:
-Rui Hachimura
-Dalton Knecht
-Maxi Kleber
-2031 first-round pick2. Trade For Lauri Markkanen
Los Angeles Lakers Receive:
-Lauri MarkkanenUtah Jazz Receive:
-Rui Hachimura
-Dalton Knecht
-Gabe Vincent
-Maxi Kleber
-2031 first-round pick3. Pursue A Deal For Trey Murphy III
Los Angeles Lakers Receive:
-Trey Murphy IIINew Orleans Pelicans Receive:
-Rui Hachimura
-Dalton Knecht
-2031 first-round pick-
![Profile picture of Jamie Sweet]()
lol…these people must not be paying attention. Ainge got 4 FRPs for Gobert, he ain’t taking a single measly pick for LM. Neither are the Pelicans or the Heat. The price for doing basic business in the NBA has inflated to 2, likely 3 FRPs for talent making $30+ mil. Anything else is laughable. It’s as if there’s not someone else you’re negotiating with…when there actually is.
-
-
-
![Profile picture of LakerTom]()
LakerTom wrote a new post
-
![Profile picture of LakerTom]()
LakerTom wrote a new post
![Profile Photo]()
liked this
2 Comments-
![Profile picture of LakerTom]()
LAKERS NEED TO MAKE TRADE NOW…Until the Lakers make a trade to open up space under the first apron, they don't have enough cap space to sign a player for the 15th spot on the roster. You probably need more than 5 fingers to count the valuable players the Lakers could have… https://t.co/aTZ4tlmPKd pic.twitter.com/hDjKmZnEqJ— LakerTom (@LakerTom) September 12, 2025
-
-
-
![Profile picture of LakerTom]()
LakerTom wrote a new post
-
![Profile picture of LakerTom]()
LakerTom wrote a new post
-
![Profile picture of LakerTom]()
LakerTom wrote a new post
1 Comment -
-
![Profile picture of LakerTom]()
LakerTom wrote a new post
-
![Profile picture of LakerTom]()
LakerTom wrote a new post
2 Comments-
![Profile picture of MongoSlade]()
After this past season? Ain’t no way. Led his team to the best record & the title, regular & Finals MVP. That’s checkmate.
-
![Profile picture of Jamie Sweet]()
SGA is the MVP for the league and the NBA Finals. Luka has to do the de-throning, nobody giving anything away these days except for bad advise lol.
-
-
![Profile picture of LakerTom]()
LakerTom wrote a new post
![Profile Photo]()
liked this
1 Comment-
![Profile picture of LakerTom]()
The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly eyeing Andrew Wiggins and will make a play ‘if the price is right’(via The Athletic) pic.twitter.com/gYoRj9W2rP— Basketball Forever (@bballforever_) September 11, 2025
-
-
![Profile picture of LakerTom]()
LakerTom wrote a new post
![Profile Photo]()
liked this
2 Comments-
![Profile picture of LakerTom]()
From Eric Pincus above article:
The Los Angeles Lakers recently extended Luka Dončić, while hesitating to give LeBron James a similar commitment.
Instead, James opted into his contract for a final year, potentially giving the franchise significant spending power in the summer of 2026.
Several competing executives and agents were given the impression the Lakers had chosen to prioritize cap flexibility over trades that would yield players on multi-year deals. On Monday, Marc Stein noted the plan may have changed.
He wrote: “The Lakers’ reluctance in the early stages of the offseason to consider trades for contracts that stretch beyond the 2025-26 season has thawed somewhat.” Stein identified Andrew Wiggins as a potential target, should Miami make him available.
Given Wiggins’ $28.2 million salary this season (along with a $30.2 million player option for 2026-27), what would be a viable theoretical trade between the Lakers and Heat?
The following is a three-team idea, bringing in the Brooklyn Nets for tax and apron flexibility, sending Wiggins from Miami to Los Angeles.
Full Trade Scenario
Lakers get:
-Andrew Wiggins (from Heat)
-Jaime Jaquez Jr. (from Heat)
-Drew Timme (from Nets)Heat get:
-Rui Hachimura (from Lakers)
-Dalton Knecht (from Lakers)
-$10 million trade exception (Wiggins)Nets get:
-Maxi Kleber (from Lakers)
-2026 protected Brooklyn second-rounder (from Heat)
-$4.6 million (from Nets)
-$2 million (from Lakers)Notes: The Lakers aggregate Hachimura, Knecht, and Kleber to acquire Wiggins and Jaquez, while Brooklyn uses cap room to absorb Kleber’s salary.
Miami gets Knecht via the Jimmy Butler trade exception (leaving a $3.8 million balance), although the team could choose to use its Haywood Highsmith exception instead. Timme, on a minimum contract, remains non-guaranteed on L.A.’s books.
The 2026 second-rounder is a token gesture, with Miami returning the Nets’ pick (which was never likely to convey with top-55 protection).
Why the Los Angeles Lakers Do It
Using Stein’s logic that the Lakers are willing to take on a longer salary, Wiggins only has one year left after this coming season.
If he fits well, he could opt out and re-sign on a lower but longer annual deal. Or Los Angeles could use his expiring contract in a future deal.
From a basketball perspective, the 30-year-old would step in as the team’s best perimeter defender. At 6’7″, he’d fill the role left by the departure of Dorian Finney-Smith.
Hachimura had some success against bigger players such as Nikola Jokić (though not enough for the Lakers to win a series over the Denver Nuggets). Still, he’s not especially mobile enough to stick with attacking guards and wings.
Wiggins averaged 18 points per game last year, splitting time between the Golden State Warriors and the Heat. He shot 37.4 percent from three-point range (on 2.2 attempts) through 60 appearances.
Hachimura played in 59 games for the Lakers, averaging 13.1 points on 41.3 percent from behind the arc (4.2 attempts). The argument would be improved defense from Wiggins, with a small sacrifice in shooting.
Knecht may not have a key rotation role with the team this season, especially after the free-agent signing of Jake LaRavia and draft acquisition of Adou Thiero.
Los Angeles missed out on Jaquez (No. 18) in the 2023 draft to select Jalen Hood-Schifino (No. 17). Jaquez was one of the top rookies that year, while Hood-Schifino is not currently in the league.
Jaquez struggled as a sophomore in Miami, and the Lakers get the chance to see if the UCLA product can revitalize his game alongside stars like James and Dončić.
Timme could fill the last required standard roster spot (14th), or the team could sign a veteran on a minimum contract while staying under its first-apron hard cap at $195.9 million. Kleber and cash make the rest of the deal feasible.
Why the Miami Heat Do It
Miami was able to get under the league’s luxury-tax threshold ($187.9 million) by trading Haywood Highsmith to the Brooklyn Nets. Still, camp invite Ethan Thompson has the team slightly over that line.
Assuming the Heat cut Thompson before opening night, they will need to wait until mid-December to add a 15th standard contract to avoid the tax.
Per Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel, Miami has been in contact with Precious Achiuwa. Getting out of Wiggins would not only clear $30.1 million from next year’s books but also put the team well under the tax threshold to add Achiuwa.
The Heat would gain flexibility for additional moves at approximately $9.3 million below the tax threshold.
Hachimura, who is on an expiring deal, is eligible for an extension if he proves to be a strong fit. He’s a better shooter than Wiggins, and more of a natural power forward (often playing out of position for the Lakers).
Knecht is also a shooting upgrade over Jaquez. Neither was outstanding last year, but the former has a longer runway on his contract, going into his second season.
The second-round pick is immaterial, and the cash is the vehicle to reroute Kleber to Brooklyn, instead of eating Miami’s immediate tax savings.
Why the Brooklyn Nets Do It
The Nets recently made official deals with Cam Thomas, Day’Ron Sharpe, and Ziaire Williams. Their payroll has climbed to $138.8 million for 20 players (including two of the three eligible two-way contracts).
The league minimum for each team this season is $139.2 million, a figure Brooklyn needs to reach by opening night.
Still, the 15-man standard contract limit means the Nets must cut (or trade) at least three players. If that’s Keon Johnson, Tyrese Martin, and Drew Timme, the team would only incur about $272,000 in dead money for Johnson’s partially guaranteed deal, dropping the team’s salary to $132.3 million (about $6.9 million short of the minimum required). Martin and Timme are non-guaranteed.
The Nets are required to spend that money before then. The question is how. In this deal, the team goes past that mark with Kleber by about $4.1 million. The Heat and Lakers combine to pay Brooklyn $6.6 million, yielding a $2.5 million profit.
Kleber, 33, wouldn’t make the Nets roster, hitting free agency, perhaps to join a team looking for an experienced veteran later in the season or even heading overseas to continue his career.
It’s a money move for Brooklyn, not a basketball deal. Timme is the only outgoing player, but he’s facing an uphill battle to make the team, given the already full roster.
-
![Profile picture of LakerTom]()
Excellent trade idea from Eric Pincus.
Laker get Wiggins, Jaquez, and Timme.
Give up Hachimura, Knecht, and Kleber.
$2M but no draft capital
-
-
- Load More Posts
Dude. I would hope even you don’t buy that BS. $30 mil is not a FRP pick. $30 mil…for a moody 30 year old who doesn’t space the floor…is nowhere near what a FRP is worth in today’s NBA. I get that you’re looking at every conceivable way to keep hyping this silly rumor that keeps backwater websites generating clicks for $$$ going but come on dude… you’re smarter than this. A FRP greases trade wheels because it opens more doors than it closes. Committing to $30 mil in an admittedly high quality role player means you’re on one path. Not several, low cost, cost-controlled for several years paths.