The Los Angeles Lakers have gained a fresh opportunity to acquire forward Andrew Wiggins from the Miami Heat, following Miami's blockbuster trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo.
According to a report by heavy.
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com on June 23, 2026, the Heat are now hard-capped at the first apron after using an expanded 125% trade exception to land Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis from the Milwaukee Bucks.
NBA salary cap analyst Yossi Gozlan reported on June 22 that Miami retains roughly $18.1 million in first-apron space to fill its remaining four roster spots.
The franchise could generate additional financial flexibility if forward Nikola Jovic is traded or if Wiggins declines his $30.2 million player option for the 2026-27 season.
Wiggins has been a target for Los Angeles for nearly a year.
An NBA insider report from last November indicated that the veteran wing remained a high priority for the organization if he became available.
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Jake Fischer, an NBA insider, noted that Wiggins was "firmly on the list" of potential acquisitions for the Lakers.
During the 2025-26 season, Wiggins averaged 15.5 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game.
His defensive versatility is highly valued by the Lakers as a complement to Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
League projections show that Los Angeles could retain nearly $50 million in cap flexibility even after re-signing Reaves.
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This financial room allows the Lakers to pursue Wiggins directly if he enters free agency or via a sign-and-trade deal.
