Literally opposite to the reports floating on social media, the LA Lakers did not trade guard Rui Hachimura to the Miami Heat for Andree Wiggins in a three-team deal.
What is true about Rui Hachimura's trade?
A parody account on X, @_HNNDRX, on Saturday posted that the Lakers and Heat are engaged in a deal that will witness Hachimura and Wiggins swap sides. It also added that the deal consisted of the Brooklyn Nets, who will acquire Center Maxi Kleber and a future pick from Los Angeles.
“The Los Angeles Lakers are trading Rui Hachimura to the Miami Heat for Andrew Wiggins, sources tell ESPN. The three-team deal includes the Brooklyn Nets acquiring Center Maxi Kleber and a 2031 first from Los Angeles.”
Mock trades have Hachimura, Dalton Knecht and a first-round pick going to Miami in exchange for Wiggins. Hachimura, who is in the last season of his current contract (18.2 million salary) and is set to become an unrestricted free agent next season, is viewed as a great trade asset.
The former Gonzaga player is eligible to pen a contract extension. However, reports claim that the Lakers are not expected to finalize an extension, as they want to retain cap and roster flexibility.
Executive believes Andrew Wiggnis-Lakers deal is unlikely
An anonymous executive speculated that any deal between Wiggins and the Lakers is impossible because of Pat Riley's strained relationship with LeBron James. The damage in the relationship came after the Heat faced defeat in the 2014 Finals to the Spurs, and LeBron decided to return to Cleveland.
Riley was blindsided after he was confident that James would continue and was unhappy at how it turned out.
“I would be stunned if Pat did this trade,” the NBA executive said. “You really think Pat wants to help LeBron [James]? He’s still mad about LeBron leaving Miami. I don’t see it happening.”
The Miami Heat are reported as being "wise to hang on" to Andrew Wiggins amid interest from Los Angeles. The report signals that the Heat would ask for a high price and that Riley is unlikely to help a team led by LeBron James or assist their championship hopes.