JAKE LARAVIA STARTS WITH RUI OFF BENCH!I would be very discouraged if Rob Pelinka does not complete a consolidation trade to add Andrew Wiggins, Marcus Smart, or another legitimate two-way small forward who can defend wings to start instead of Rui Hachimura, who is really a… https://t.co/K8UMSPN8vu pic.twitter.com/cZ3ZsUmdLd— LakerTom (@LakerTom) July 11, 2025
Think camp would determine this, not sure if Jake is a better defender than Hachimura. Don’t see us trading 2/3 players for Wiggins
On numbers alone Rui has more impact than Wiggins. Shoots a higher % from 3 and has room to catch up on defense. At 30, after 2 years of half here, half somewhere else basketball I’m doubtful we’ll get the Wiggins you’re likely hoping for. That being the one from 4-5 years ago. The one that earned himself that big deal.
The role in our offense suits Rui better, as well, as he has superior size and weight that he uses well. Makes smart cuts, hits the open shots, has never complained about his role.
Lastly, Wiggins messes everything up for next year when his contract will be $30+ million and the option will all but certainly be picked up. I’d rather have a motivated, younger Rui trying to earn his next deal than a disconnected, not playing for a deal Wiggins.
I can forgive a disappointing year. But Wiggins has had 3 disappointing years in a row. Give the Heat that trade package and we literally have nothing left to trade.