As the 2025-26 NBA season approaches, the Los Angeles Lakers continue to explore ways to fortify their roster around Luka Dončić and LeBron James. One of the most audacious proposals circulating this offseason involves an eight-team trade that would net the Lakers Andrew Wiggins, Haywood Highsmith, and AJ Green. The idea, conceived by Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale, dwarfs even the NBA-record seven-team Kevin Durant trade that shook the league in 2023.
Boston Celtics Receive: Terance Mann, Utah’s 2026 second-round pick (via Milwaukee; top-55 protection), draft rights to Louis Labeyrie (via Lakers), Brooklyn’s 2026 second-round pick (via Miami; top-55 protection)
Brooklyn Nets Receive: Pat Connaughton, Kyle Kuzma, Denver’s 2029 second-round pick (via Charlotte), draft rights to Marcelo Nicola (via Portland), $2.3 million cash (via Miami)
Charlotte Hornets Receive: Anfernee Simons, Robert Williams III (into non-taxpayer mid-level exception), $1.7 million cash (via Lakers)
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Andrew Wiggins, Haywood Highsmith, AJ Green
Miami Receive: Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, Jusuf Nurkić, Matisse Thybulle, 2026 second-round pick (most favorable from Denver or Golden State, via Charlotte), Lakers’ 2031 first-round pick
Milwaukee Bucks Receive: Collin Sexton, Simone Fontecchio, draft rights to Peter Fehse (via Utah)
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: Nick Smith Jr., Kyle Anderson, K.J. Martin, Houston’s 2031 second-round pick (via Boston; top-55 protection), draft rights to Dimitrios Agravanis (via Milwaukee), Lakers’ 2032 second-round pick
Utah Jazz: Gabe Vincent, Terry Rozier, DaQuan Jeffries, 2026 second-round pick (most favorable from Detroit, Milwaukee and Orlando, via Boston), 2028 second-round pick (more favorable of Clippers and Hornets, via Charlotte), draft rights to Christian Drejer (via Brooklyn), draft rights to Peter Fehse, $2.4 million cash (via Miami), $2.5 million cash (via Boston)
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The Lakers’ Vision
For Los Angeles, the primary goal is landing a two-way wing capable of easing the defensive burden on Dončić and James. Favale notes, “Wiggins’ arrival helps offset the deadeye shooting Los Angeles loses in Hachimura and fortifies the perimeter defense.” The Lakers would part ways with Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent, a 2031 first-round pick, a 2032 second-round pick, draft rights to Louis Labeyrie, and $1.7 million cash to make room.
Andrew Wiggins, 30, carries a $28.2 million cap hit for 2025-26 and a $30.1 million player option for 2026-27. During his lone season with Miami, Wiggins averaged 18.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game while shooting 44.8% from the field and 37.4% from three-point range. He also brings 44 playoff games of experience, including starting on the 2022 NBA Finals–winning Golden State Warriors team.
NBA reporter Jovan Buha explained Wiggins’ fit alongside the Lakers’ stars: “If the Lakers were to get Andrew Wiggins, or a player of that ilk, a player of that archetype—I think that’s the ideal player to put besides Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves.” His ability to impact games without needing the ball in his hands is precisely what the Lakers are seeking to complement Dončić and James.
The Supporting Pieces
Haywood Highsmith and AJ Green add further upside to the deal. Highsmith is recovering from meniscus surgery, but his defensive versatility and three-point ability could be a key playoff asset. Green, meanwhile, is an underrated two-way contributor who can stretch the floor and compete on defense. Favale adds, “Finally, Los Angeles exits this transaction saving enough money to be more flexible in future trades and a heartbeat away from skirting the luxury tax—without knifing into plans to wield bonkers amounts of cap space in 2027.”
In total, the Lakers would save $5,189,886 while shedding Vanderbilt’s $37.3 million contract over the next three seasons. This financial flexibility is crucial given the contracts of James and Dončić and the team’s desire to pursue additional roster upgrades.
Heat’s Stance Remains Firm
Despite the interest, Miami is reportedly reluctant to part with Wiggins this offseason. Clutch Points’ Brett Siegel reported, “Right now, the Heat don’t hold much of a desire to trade Wiggins and are operating under the mindset of waiting to see how things play out during the first few months of the regular season.” Past discussions involving Hachimura and a first-round pick stalled over Miami’s high asking price, according to Anthony Irwin of ClutchPoints.
Strategic Implications
If LA could execute this trade, they would address both ends of the court. Wiggins would provide perimeter defense and secondary scoring, Highsmith adds depth and versatility, and Green offers shooting and defensive utility. Buha emphasized the potential impact: “The Lakers, with the right move, can vault themselves up to the Tier 1 [of NBA title teams] and have a legit chance to win a championship.”
While draft capital constraints limit flexibility—the Lakers only have tradable first-round picks in 2031 and 2032—smart maneuvering could allow Los Angeles to absorb Wiggins’ contract without surrendering core contributors. The team still has over $60 million in expiring contracts to facilitate trades, leaving the door open for creative moves in the coming weeks.
Conclusion
Landing Wiggins would give the Lakers a premier two-way wing alongside Dončić, James, Reaves, and Marcus Smart, potentially elevating the team into the elite tier of Western Conference contenders. However, Miami’s high asking price may delay any deal until the regular season progresses. For now, LA continues to weigh their options as the clock ticks toward training camp and the 2025-26 campaign.