2025-26 Team Developments: Trades / Free Agents / News / Rumors / Ideas

Rui + Vincent + 2032 2nd + 2028 swap + 2030 swap to Miami for Wiggins + Keshad Johnson.

I think Miami ends up settling for this type of deal. Rui is not a significant downgrade from Wiggins on offense, and he would cost about 10-12 million less than Wiggins, if he resigns with Miami for 2026-2027. Wiggins is due 30 million next season, and Rui will likely only command 18-20 million. Vincent is a player who they are familiar with, and who fit very well with them. They likely view him as neutral to positive value (for them). Moreover, Gabe would likely only get no more than about 5 million next season, if he were to resign with the Heat. Also, Gabe's unique connection to Miami compared to other teams increases his value from a Lakers perspective. In contrast, most other teams likely view Gabe as negative to neutral value. Miami is probably not super high on Johnson, who is just filler i this deal for roster spot purposes. The player swap alone could be argued as a good deal for both teams, since Miami is looking to clear Wiggins, and hey would at the same time be bringing back functional NBA players, one whom has prove to fit very well with Heat culture, and the other who would most likely fit very well with them, is 4 years younger than Wiggins, and about 10-12 million cheaper. But Lakers add sweetener in this deal to make it work, with the 2nd and swaps. Wiggins could be one of those missing peaces that helps a team get to the next level to win a chip. Think Mychael Thompson back in the day, or the acquisitions of an Ariza, Artest, or Dwight/JeVale/KCP/Danny Green. Wiggins is a solidified 18 point/ 2+ three-pointers made per game on 35+ %. For us, he might be more like a 14 point 2.5 + three-pointers per game guy, and with good defense, which is exactly what we need.

 

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