After the NBA Draft Lottery disappointment, it is now clear that for the Miami Heat, a trade is the only major way of reshaping their roster. It’s a calculated method they always rely on to acquire NBA heavyweights. Lots of names that proved unfit for this season, including guard Tyler Herro, are already speculating that the team could upgrade via trade to shore up the roster this summer.
But an overlooked name who could make the list is Andrew Wiggins. The offseason is going to be challenging for him as he is proving to be essential in the Heat’s chase of NBA sharks open for acquisition.
Could the Miami Heat Trade Andrew Wiggins for a Superstar?
The Heat are famous for aggressively acquiring their big catches through trades or free agency rather than the draft. And this time, in desperate need of revival, they are actively fishing for Giannis Antetokounmpo, Donovan Mitchell and others. In this situation, a Heat trade of Wiggins could be exactly what is needed.
Andrew Wiggins’s Mixed Year with the Heat
Wiggins’ past year with Miami was a mixed bag, where at times he shone and at others he faded. He averaged 15.4 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.7 assists, while shooting 47.5% from the field. His defense is strong on multiple fronts, keeping the momentum in pressure matchups, but he suffers on offense. He has fit the roster well and contributed to the team’s success. However, he shares the same problem as Herro in terms of inconsistency.
Wiggins shows up when there is a dire need, as he did in the absence of Bam Adebayo. But just when things start to gain momentum, he disappears. On one hand, he is efficient when he is fully invested. When his attention is away, so is his energy, which is a major factor in a situation when the team is nowhere near contention.
The Miami Heat — previously home to top NBA players like LeBron James and Shaquille O’Neal — have only one shining player at the moment: Adebayo. Such limited inclusion shows the deficiency in their team’s structure, a sentiment shared by die-hard fans and the sports world alike. Thus, it is no wonder that in their “aggressive changes,” a giant Heat trade is the moment’s priority.
Andrew Wiggins Holds an Ace in Heat Trade Barter
Any potential Heat trade also partially depends on a major decision by Wiggins. The NBA All-Star already has a giant opportunity with a $30 million player option before July. Should Wiggins pick it up, this would perfectly suit him and the Heat, as he would be left with a secured income for the year, and with a $30.2 million bill, he could be leveraged to hunt for a bigger fish.
Wiggins has already expressed his love for the Heat and said he will be making this herculean decision with his agent once the season is over. There is also a chance that he tests the waters of free agency, but the odds of that happening are slim. In his 12-year career, Wiggins has never been an unrestricted free agent.
The former No. 1 pick was acquired by the Heat in a five-team trade last February. Prior to that, he had long stints with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Golden State Warriors. Now, going into the offseason, Wiggins has a big decision to make that could impact his paycheck and the Heat’s trade options.
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