The Lakers and Heat are negotiating a trade for Wiggins! Hachimura and Knect are becoming bargaining chips, and Lowry might also change teams.

On June 26, Beijing time, Lakers reporter Anthony Irwin reported that sources revealed the Lakers and Heat have engaged in further negotiations regarding a trade involving Wiggins. The Heat are expected to acquire Hachimura, along with additional expiring contracts to match salaries.

The source further disclosed that the negotiations have progressed to the next stage, but are not yet in the final stretch. Previous reports indicated that the Heat have consistently listed Wiggins as a tradeable player this summer, and that stance remains unchanged.The latest odds show that the Lakers (+185) are now the frontrunners for Wiggins, followed by the Raptors, Suns, Warriors, Kings, Rockets, Pelicans, and Mavericks.

The 30-year-old Wiggins had a solid performance last season, averaging 18.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and nearly 1 steal per game, with a shooting percentage of 45%, a three-point percentage of 37%, and a free throw percentage of 76%. As a core player in the Butler trade, he played a total of 60 games for the Warriors and Heat.

The 27-year-old Hachimura also had an impressive season with the Lakers, averaging 13.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and nearly 1 steal, with shooting percentages of 51%/41%/77%. He has improved each season with the Lakers and is highly regarded by the team.

Since Wiggins and Hachimura's salaries do not match directly, the trade will require the inclusion of Knect or Vincent's contract. Sources say the Heat may seek Knect.—as the Lakers are unwilling to trade their first-round picks in 2031 or 2032 before resolving their center vacancy.The Heat may also attempt to move Lowryand his remaining two-year, $18.8 million contract.

If the Lakers insist on keeping Hachimura, they must offer a first-round pick, this year's 55th pick, or future pick swap rights. However, sources indicate that the Heat value Hachimura's shooting ability.

Fans may wonder why the Lakers are pursuing such a trade while lacking depth at center. League sources say thatGeneral Manager Pelinka is dissatisfied with the asking price for center trades this summer. If such a trade is completed, the Lakers might use the $5.7 million mini mid-level exception to sign a starting center.

Another possibility is that the Lakers are leaking rumors to pressure their trade partners for centers—if the other side does not lower their price, the Lakers might redirect their assets to other positions. After all, we are currently in a period of "smoke screens."

For the Lakers, this trade makes sense: the team's salary cap has heavily invested in defensive players at the four position, and they severely lacked outside speed last season, while Wiggins can fill that gap. His ability to shoot from beyond the arc makes him one of the most sought-after wings in this summer's free agency.

For the Heat, they can acquire the younger wing Hachimura and gain more salary flexibility. If the trade includes Knect, the Heat could tap into his potential through their established development system—having a strong track record in developing young players with similar skill sets. As the league enters draft week, negotiations between both sides are expected to continue.