Lakers Rumors: Trade Idea Swaps Lakers’ Rui Hachimura, Dalton Knecht to Heat in Bold 3-Team Deal

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by Cristian Andal

Los Angeles Lakers standouts Rui Hachimura (28) and Dalton Knecht (4).
Los Angeles Lakers standouts Rui Hachimura (28) and Dalton Knecht (4). Photo: Getty Images.

The NBA rumor mill never takes a day off, and this latest trade scenario has fans buzzing. A proposed three-team deal involving the Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, and Brooklyn Nets has Rui Hachimura and rookie Dalton Knecht potentially heading to South Beach, while the Lakers eye Golden State swingman Andrew Wiggins and Miami’s promising Jaime Jaquez Jr.

The framework, designed by Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus, looks like this:

  • Lakers receive: Andrew Wiggins, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Drew Timme

  • Heat receive: Rui Hachimura, Dalton Knecht, $10M trade exception (via Wiggins)

  • Nets receive: Maxi Kleber, 2026 protected 2nd-round pick (via Heat), $6.6M in cash considerations

At first glance, the deal is a classic “needs-based shuffle.” The Lakers continue to explore options to add a reliable two-way wing, and Wiggins—despite inconsistency with Golden State—still fits that mold. Jaquez, meanwhile, showed plenty of upside in his rookie season and could develop quickly under JJ Redick’s system.

Miami Heat forward Andrew Wiggins.
Miami Heat forward Andrew Wiggins. Photo: Getty Images.

For Miami, this is all about spacing and flexibility. Hachimura, a natural power forward with size and shooting touch, fills a void left by the team’s recent frontcourt shake-ups. Pairing him with Bam Adebayo gives Erik Spoelstra more versatility, while Knecht—though unproven—adds another perimeter threat to a Heat squad that finished the 2025 season lacking offensive punch.

Brooklyn, meanwhile, plays the role of facilitator. By absorbing Kleber’s deal, they collect a small draft asset and some financial maneuvering room. It’s not a headline move for the Nets, but in today’s cap-driven NBA, these marginal gains can matter down the line.

Of course, trade ideas like this rarely materialize exactly as written. The Lakers’ front office must weigh whether Wiggins is still the answer at the wing or if Hachimura’s and Knecht’s potential are better assets down the road. Miami, on the other hand, has already been aggressive this offseason—moving Kyle Anderson, Kevin Love, Duncan Robinson, and Haywood Highsmith while adding Norman Powell and Simone Fontecchio. Would Pat Riley double down by reshaping the roster even further?

Fans of all three franchises will debate this endlessly, but one thing is clear: all sides have something to gain. For the Lakers, it’s win-now urgency with LeBron James and Luka Doncic. For the Heat, it’s about surrounding Adebayo with fresh talent. For the Nets, it’s patience and asset-building.

The question is—who blinks first?