The NBA offseason is always buzzing with wild rumors and high-stakes trade chatter, and lately, Andrew Wiggins has found himself right in the center of it all. For weeks, the Miami Heat forward has been heavily linked to the Los Angeles Lakers, a team eager to add a proven, two-way wing with playoff experience. But just when it seemed like the Lakers were the clear frontrunners, a surprise contender has emerged to complicate things: their crosstown rivals, the Los Angeles Clippers.
According to NBA insider Greg Sylvander, the Clippers are a team to “watch out” for in the Wiggins sweepstakes. Sylvander’s tip, first posted on Discord, gained traction after being amplified by the popular “Heat Culture” Twitter account. If true, this development could throw a serious wrench into the Lakers’ offseason plans.
Wiggins arrived in Miami during the 2024-25 season as part of the Jimmy Butler trade. He put up solid numbers—19.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game in the regular season—but struggled in the playoffs, averaging just 11.5 points on inefficient shooting. Still, his value around the league remains strong. He’s a former No. 1 pick, a 2022 NBA champion with the Golden State Warriors, and one of the few wings in the league who can defend multiple positions while providing scoring.
Wiggins is under contract for one more year and has a $30 million player option for the 2026–27 season. While he remains a valuable piece, his age (30) and salary may not align with Miami’s efforts to retool for the future. That makes him a prime trade candidate—and a tempting target for win-now teams.
Watch the Los Angeles Clippers as a potential suitor for Andrew Wiggins per @GregSylvander
(Via https://t.co/r7B5j9w6sG) pic.twitter.com/HyIkuQtCv3
— Heat Culture (@HeatCulture13) July 4, 2025
The Lakers had reportedly explored a deal that would send Rui Hachimura, rookie Dalton Knecht, and a 2031 first-round pick to the Heat in exchange for Wiggins. It’s a hefty price, and not everyone is convinced it’s worth it. On “The Facility” podcast, former NFL player Will Blackmon praised Wiggins’ playoff pedigree, saying, “The thing I do love about Andrew Wiggins is he’s battle-tested in terms of the postseason. He brings that championship DNA.” But co-host Emmanuel Acho was more cautious, arguing that the Lakers should even consider including Austin Reaves if needed. “They were attacking him defensively,” Acho noted, referring to Reaves’ struggles in the postseason. “He completely disappeared.”
Now, with the Clippers in the mix, the Lakers might have to act fast—or risk losing Wiggins to their biggest local rival.
(This is a developing story…)
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