If the Lakers work out a trade deal with the Heat to acquire Andrew Wiggins, the outgoing package will not include Los Angeles’ 2032 first-round pick, a source told The Athletic’s Dan Woike.
Lakers Won’t Trade Their 2032 First-Rounder
Although the Lakers would be willing to offer Rui Hachimura, Maxi Kleber, and Dalton Knecht for Wiggins, their 2032 first-rounder is viewed as “their most valuable trade asset,” per Woike.
“Trading that pick would lock the team’s ability to trade the 2031 pick now and the 2033 pick this summer. So, yeah, the 2032 pick probably isn’t going anywhere,” Woike wrote.
“With Wiggins, I don’t know if he’s really available or if he’s worth it at this price point.”
Through 35 games (all starts) this season, Wiggins is averaging 16 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.2 steals, 1.1 blocks, and 31.7 minutes per outing while shooting 47.4% from the field and a career-best 41.1% from deep.
Per Spotrac, Wiggins is also earning $28.2 million this campaign and has a $30.2 million player option for 2026-27. This is part of the four-year, $109 million contract extension he signed with the Warriors in October 2022.
If the Lakers decide to make a trade, Wiggins will join a star-stacked lineup that includes Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, LeBron James, and Deandre Ayton.
Pelicans Rebuffing Trade Inquiries
The Lakers have been linked to Pelicans forward Herb Jones ahead of the Feb. 5 trade deadline.
Jones was named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team in 2024.
Through 23 appearances (all starts) with New Orleans this season, the 6-foot-7 wing has averaged 9.5 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.7 steals, and 28.3 minutes per game.
Jones is also shooting a career-worst 39.4% from the field and 33.3% from deep.
However, the Pelicans reportedly aren’t listening to trade offers for Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III, or Jones, according to NBA insider Chris Haynes.
Haynes added that New Orleans has no plans to trade either Derik Queen or Jeremiah Fears. There has been no indication that the Pelicans would consider trading either of their promising rookies.
Other league insiders have reported that Murphy has drawn interest from the Warriors and Spurs.
