NBA Trade Rumors: Andrew Wiggins to LA Lakers has no motion despite prior reports 

NBA: Los Angeles Lakers at Golden State Warriors - Source: Imagn
NBA Trade Rumors: Andrew Wiggins to LA Lakers has no motion despite prior reports (Image Source: Imagn)

The latest NBA trade rumors suggest that there has been no development in Andrew Wiggins' potential move to the LA Lakers, despite talks during the draft. Reports indicate the deal stalled because the Lakers didn't want to offload Dalton Knecht. The Heat wanted him or a first-round pick. The Lakers only had one to offer (in 2031), and no deal materialized.

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However, insider Jake Fischer has ruled out any developments between Wiggins and LA. Here's what he said on Friday:

"Don't think that's anything that has really been substantive at all to my understanding. I'm talking to the Lakers, I'm talking to people around Andrew Wiggins. I don't think there's anything developing between Wiggins and LA right now."
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Earlier reports from insider Anthony Irwin suggested the Heat were interested in Rui Hachimura and Dalton Knecht in a potential trade involving Wiggins.

Wiggins could have been an incredible fit on the Lakers, filling a void for them as a point-of-attack defender. The Lakers don't have one right now, with four defensive power forwards - Luka Doncic, LeBron James, Dorian Finney-Smith and Hachimura - who guard three to five.

Wiggins is also a slightly better shot creator than Hachimura, providing the Lakers with another potent offensive player alongside Doncic, James and Austin Reaves.

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LA Lakers looking to address center concerns over anything else

It seems like the LA Lakers' focus is on acquiring a center for next season. It's their biggest roster hole in free agency. After passing on centers in the draft by acquiring 6-foot-8 wing Adou Thiero with the 36th pick, General Manager Rob Pelinka indicated he was leaving no stone unturned in looking for a big, heading into free agency.

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That could be a possible reason behind the Lakers and Wiggins talks not gaining momentum for now. The Lakers have a surplus of wings they might use in separate deals in case an attempt to sign free-agent centers doesn't materialize.

Acquiring Wiggins will likely require parting with Hachimura, as it would not only help the Lakers match salaries but also appease the Heat, who reportedly have interest in the Japanese forward. LA might also get a deal done without having to include a pick in return.

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However, Hachimura could also be a key piece in helping the Lakers land a center target via trade, forcing them to stall a Wiggins deal.

Also read: Lakers' Realistic 6'11 center target might not land next to Luka Doncic despite early buzz

Los Angeles Lakers Fan? Check out the latest Lakers depth chart, schedule, and roster updates all in one place.

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Edited by Arhaan Raje
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