The Wiggins Whisper: Why the Miami Heat are Gauging the Trade Market for their Starting Forward
The Miami Heat are once again at a crossroads. After a scorching 14-7 start to the 2025-26 NBA season that had them sitting comfortably in the Eastern Conference’s top three, a sudden and bruising five-game losing streak has sent shockwaves through the front office. As of December 19, 2025, Pat Riley and Erik Spoelstra appear to have seen enough of the status quo.
According to a bombshell report from HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, the Heat have officially begun “gauging the trade market” for starting small forward Andrew Wiggins. This move signals that Miami is no longer content with “marginal improvements” and is instead looking to liquidate one of its most valuable, albeit high-salaried, assets to ignite a mid-season transformation.
The Asset: Why Andrew Wiggins is the Odd Man Out
When Miami acquired Wiggins, the hope was that “Heat Culture” would refine the former All-Star into the ultimate two-way secondary option alongside Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler. For stretches, it worked. Wiggins provided the length and perimeter defense that Erik Spoelstra craves. However, several factors have converged to make him the primary trade chip as the February 5 deadline approaches.
1. The Financial Weight
Wiggins is currently playing under a massive contract that includes a $30.17 million player option for the 2026-27 season. For a Heat team famously wary of the “repeater tax” and the restrictive “second apron,” holding onto an expensive veteran whose production has plateaued is a luxury they may no longer afford.
2. The Overlap with Norman Powell
The emergence of Norman Powell as a high-volume, hyper-efficient scorer has shifted Miami’s offensive geometry. Powell has effectively taken over the “scoring punch” role that Wiggins was expected to provide. With Powell thriving, Wiggins has often drifted into a “connector” role—a role that could arguably be filled by a cheaper player or a more specialized shooter.
3. Matching Salaries for a “Whale”
It is no secret that Pat Riley is hunting for a superstar. Whether it’s the disgruntled Ja Morant in Memphis or the looming shadow of Giannis Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee, any blockbuster trade requires significant outgoing salary. Wiggins’ $26M+ figure is the perfect “bridge” contract to make the math work for an MVP-level acquisition.
Potential Landing Spots: Where Could Wiggins Go?
The market for a 30-year-old, championship-proven wing is always active, even with a high price tag. Several teams are already being linked to the Canadian forward:
| Potential Suitor | Why it Makes Sense | Reported Interest Level |
| New Orleans Pelicans | Looking for veteran leadership to stabilize a young, injury-riddled core. A swap for Trey Murphy III has been heavily rumored. | High |
| Memphis Grizzlies | If Memphis decides to move on from Ja Morant, they will need a high-level wing to remain competitive around Jaren Jackson Jr. | Moderate |
| Houston Rockets | The Rockets have the draft capital and young players (like Cam Whitmore) to offer if they feel Wiggins is the veteran “finisher” they need. | Low |
The “Trey Murphy III” Rumor: A Strategic Pivot
The most intriguing rumor involves a potential swap with the New Orleans Pelicans for Trey Murphy III. On paper, this is a classic Miami Heat move. Murphy is younger, a more lethal three-point shooter, and fits the timeline of Bam Adebayo (28) and Tyler Herro (25) perfectly.
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The Fit: Murphy would provide the spacing that the Heat’s current “Big” lineup (featuring Bam Adebayo and rookie sensation Kel’el Ware) desperately needs.
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The Cost: Because Murphy is viewed as a rising star, Miami would likely have to attach their 2026 and 2028 first-round picks to convince the Pelicans to take on Wiggins’ veteran salary.
The Spoelstra Factor: A Lineup in Flux
Erik Spoelstra has already begun experimenting with life after (or without) a traditional wing like Wiggins. In recent games, including the December 18 matchup against Brooklyn, Spoelstra moved toward a “Twin Towers” look, starting Kel’el Ware alongside Adebayo.
“We are looking for a specific level of defensive connectivity. If we aren’t getting it, we have to look at the personnel and the rotations. Everything is on the table.” — Erik Spoelstra, Dec 18, 2025
This lineup shift effectively pushed Wiggins into a more peripheral role, further fueling speculation that his days in South Beach are numbered. If the Heat can flip Wiggins for a more consistent perimeter threat or a dynamic playmaker like Morant, it would allow Bam Adebayo to return to his natural role as a defensive roamer rather than a primary offensive engine.
What’s Next for the Heat?
The next two weeks are critical. The Heat face a grueling West Coast road trip that will likely determine whether Pat Riley pulls the trigger on a Wiggins trade sooner rather than later. If the losing streak continues and the team falls further into the play-in tournament range, expect “The Godfather” to make a move that reshapes the Eastern Conference.
The message is clear: No one—aside from perhaps Bam Adebayo—is truly untouchable when the Heat are underperforming.
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