Lakers’ Trade Aspirations for Heat's $109,000,002 Forward Take Significant Hit After Erik Spoelstra’s Admission 

The LA Lakers may have taken a hit in their ambitions to trade for Andrew Wiggins. Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra's latest comments suggest that the forward, who has two years left on his $109,000,002 contract, is committed to the franchise.

The former No. 1 pick's offensive role took a hit after the Heat added Norman Powell this offseason. In three games, Wiggins averaged a career-low 12.3 points on 48.3% shooting before Tuesday, when he scored a season-high 21 points on Tuesday against the Hornets.

Spoelstra dropped an insightful take on Wiggins' motivation and role with the Heat, saying (via Heat reporter Zachary Weinberger):

"He's starting to get a little bit more comfortable, getting into rhythm. We all know he wants to play really well for the group. I love where his heart is."

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Wiggins has been involved in trade rumors, specifically linking him to the Lakers, nearly all summer. Reports suggested that the Heat want to get the remainder of his contract worth $50.3 million over two years off their books.

The Lakers showed interest, but a deal never materialized after the teams failed to agree on a trade. Per reports, Miami was interested in Rui Hachimura as the trade centerpiece, but wanted LA's only tradeable first-round pick in return.

The Lakers refused to do so, preferring to preserve the remaining of their draft capital for a bona fide star.

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With the Heat getting off to a hot start, Andrew Wiggins to the Lakers seems unlikely

The Heat could be one of the sellers at the trade deadline. However, the Eastern Conference is wide open. Miami has maximized that window by winning three of its first four games. If the Heat continue winning at a high level, they might retain their top players, including Andrew Wiggins.

He's their best wing defender, and such players are must-haves. He can guard multiple positions and excel offensively when needed, as seen on Tuesday against the Hornets, as the Heat played without Norman Powell and Tyler Herro, their two best perimeter scorers.

Wiggins will have another year left on his contract, with a player option worth $30.2 million. The Heat have that leverage, too. Another benefit of retaining Wiggins would be to flip his salary for a max player with other contracts.

The Giannis Antetokounmpo trade rumors aren't going away anytime soon, so Miami will likely keep its options open.

Edited by Arhaan Raje