Lakers Mock Trade: Andrew Wiggins and 6-foot-11 center join Luka Doncic as Dalton Knecht makes way

After being eliminated in the first round of the playoffs for the second straight year, the LA Lakers are eager to bolster their roster this summer. They find themselves in need of a reliable center after trading Anthony Davis last season in a deal for Luka Doncic.

However, a center might not be all that LA adds this summer, as the team has also been linked to the Miami Heat’s Andrew Wiggins. Lakers beat writer Anthony Irwin reported on Wednesday that the Heat have held trade talks with the Lakers.

Miami has reportedly made Andrew Wiggins available in an attempt to build around Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo. While the Lakers primarily need a center, they could also acquire Wiggins by giving up draft picks and promising sophomore Dalton Knecht.

Knecht made 78 appearances for LA last season, averaging 9.1 points and 2.8 rebounds. He shot 46.1% from the field and 37.6% from 3-pointer range. With a solid shooting touch, the 24-year-old Knecht has the upside to be a solid trade asset.

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Lakers Mock Trade: What would the Lakers have to give up to acquire Andrew Wiggins and Nic Claxton

Following a cycle of failed rebuilds, the Brooklyn Nets could look to blow it up this summer. With no real stars and a lack of young prospects to build around, Brooklyn could make a few moves. Moving players like the 6-foot-11 Nic Claxton and Shake Milton could help them land some much-needed draft picks.

Meanwhile, the Miami Heat are looking to move Andrew Wiggins to get more help for Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo. Claxton and Wiggins would fit in well with Luka Doncic, but to pull off a trade, they might need to pull another team into the mix.

Here’s a four-team mock trade surrounding Dalton Knecht, Nic Claxton, and Andrew Wiggins:

The Lakers receive:

• Andrew Wiggins
• Nic Claxton

The Heat receive:

• Rui Hachimura
• Josh Okogie
• Jaxson Hayes
• Hornets’ 2027 Round 1 pick (via Miami)

The Hornets receive:

• Dalton Knecht
• Shake Milton
• LA's 2025 Round 2 pick (#55)
• Miami’s 2026 Round 2 pick
• Miami’s 2027 Round 2 pick

The Nets receive:

• Gabe Vincent
• Maxi Kleber
• Kevin Love
• Right to swap LA's 2030 Round 1 pick
• LA's 2031 Round 1 pick

Through this trade, LA would acquire some solid pieces to pair next to Luka Doncic, while the Heat would bring in some much-needed size and defense with the addition of Rui Hachimura, Josh Okogie and Jaxson Hayes.

The Hornets would gain a solid shooter in Dalton Knecht, a rotation player in Shake Milton, and multiple picks for the future. Meanwhile, the Nets would get three veterans with winning experience and multiple first-round picks, giving them another shot at rebuilding.