When Andrew Wiggins first arrived from the Jimmy Butler trade for the Miami Heat, the organization knew they were getting an established 3 & D wing with championship experience. And that’s exactly what he has been throughout his one-and-a-half seasons in Miami.
As the 2014 draft number one overall pick over a decade ago, Wiggins has never quite lived up to that hype throughout his 12 years in the league. However, he has still made a rock solid NBA career for himself as a former NBA champion and All-Star back in the 2021-22 season for the Golden State Warriors. At 6-foot-7 and a 7-foot wingspan, Wiggins has remained a versatile rotation piece on both ends of the floor for the Heat this season.
And he evidently has enjoyed his time playing for Miami, too.
The veteran forward recently voiced his desire to remain in South Beach, as he has a $30 million player option on the table this upcoming offseason.
“Me and my agent will get together whenever the season is done and figure it out. But I love Miami. I love being here… Everyone has been great to me. From the organization, the fans, to the city. Just playing winning style of basketball. Being on a team and organization that cares for the players, always wants the best for them. They’re very straight forward and all about winning. It’s kind of an old school vibe here that I like.”
— Andrew Wiggins (via Anthony Chiang/Miami Herald
Wiggins averaged 15.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.1 steals and 1.0 block per game on 48% shooting and 41.4% from 3-point range across 68 games played this past season.
With his player option in the coming months, Wiggins will have the choice to either opt-in to a $30 million salary for the 2026-27 season to stay in Miami. Doing so would keep him on the Heat’s books for at least one more year.
If not, he could opt out and seek a bigger payday or change of scenery elsewhere and become an unrestricted free agent.
Even if Wiggins does opt-in, the Heat could use him as a trade asset this summer. But depending on the moves Miami pulls off, he is still a reliable wing to have on this roster even going into his age-32 campaign. A contract extension for a player of his caliber— who is more considered a valuable role player than a real All-Star— is likely not an option. The $30 million that he may be owed next season should be the ceiling of his value, especially as he enters his mid 30s.
Pat Riley had mentioned at his end of season presser that he has great respect for Wiggins, and that he indeed expressed interest in remaining on the Heat roster for next season. The opt-out decision will be crucial for Wiggins’ fate as a member of the Heat, but he has assuredly been impactful enough to warrant a return— for next season at the very least.
Do you think that Wiggs should be a long term piece for Miami? Let us know in the comments below!
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Wiggins has an 8’11” standing reach (PF length), moving Wiggins to the 3 position, Larsson to 2 (8’6″ standing reach, same as Jimmy Butler) would give the Heat more positional size. Guessing they may try to do that with a trade for a 4 – most obvious would be Giannis.
Everyone knows I took to Andrew as my favorite player for exactly the reasons RC refers to. But, Zach makes a compelling argument as his timeline is off.
But, make no mistake, players like him are essential parts of winning teams, and every really good team has at least two players like Wiggins. He may not be a superstar, but he is a solid A- type talent. What we should do with him and Powell is predicated on our efforts to acquire a whale, unlikely as that scenario is. If we got a whale by some stroke of luck, you need Bam, Powell and Wiggins as his supporting cast or don’t do it at all.
And if you’re not getting a whale, then guys like Wiggins should be traded or let go as we acquire younger players. There is a problem there as our younger players aren’t as good as our three oldest players, so the path to relevancy will take longer if we concentrate on getting younger. But, seems to me we have no choice, our roster requires it, despite all of Riley’s whoofing about trying to win now. So, try to get a whale, and if unsuccessful, go young, and commit to that direction.
Nice to know Andrew likes playing here. But, every good player will eventually sour on a team when they miss the playoffs repeatedly.
Warrior’s would’ve taken him back if Heat wanted Kuminga. Worth the risk? Heat had nothing to lose.
It is impossible to not like Wiggins. He is one of the most congenial, mellow players I’ve ever seen. If he stays, at the very least, he can be part of a trade.
Nothing against Wiggs, but he should go. Not gonna be here when this is a winning organization again. Doesn’t impact the game enough to matter.
Miami needs to find a super star and get younger. And while Riley is too blind to see that, the fans aren’t. Resigning wiggs will just be another nail in the coffin of what is quickly becoming a non serious nba franchise.
Exactly my thoughts.
whos better and avail short list