The Los Angeles Lakers could explore cheaper options if the cost to acquire Miami Heat wing Andrew Wiggins remains “steep,” according to Anthony Irwin of ClutchPoints, who floated veteran forward Haywood Highsmith as a potential alternative.
“Haywood Highsmith is a good name to drop here, too,” Irwin said on the Sept. 8 episode of The Lakers Lounge podcast. “Brooklyn is stockpiling assets and eventually they may be open for business. If Wiggins costs an arm and a leg, does it make more sense to bring in Highsmith for a fraction of the cost? That could be something the Lakers consider, or do they try to bring in both? There is no such thing as too much wing depth in the modern NBA.”
Reliable 3-and-D Wing
GettyGiannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks is fouled by Haywood Highsmith, formerly of the Miami Heat.
Highsmith’s contract with the Heat, valued at $5.6 million and expiring this offseason, became a casualty of the franchise’s financial crunch. Miami traded Highsmith to the Brooklyn Nets earlier this summer. The move helped Miami drop below the luxury tax line by nearly $4 million, reset its repeater tax clock, and generate a $5.6 million trade exception.
Last season, Highsmith appeared in 74 games, starting 42, and averaged a career-best 6.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 24.6 minutes per game. He shot 38% from three-point range and showcased versatility as a defender capable of guarding multiple positions.
Injury Raises Questions
However, Highsmith’s market value took a hit after a torn meniscus sustained during an offseason workout. He is out for 8–10 weeks, leaving uncertainty about his availability at the start of the 2025–26 NBA season. But once he’s healthy, his name will pop back in trade talks.
NBA insider Jake Fischer reported on The Stein Line in August that Highsmith could re-emerge in trade discussions after Dec. 15, when he becomes eligible to be moved again.
Wiggins Remains Lakers’ Primary Target
GettyDonovan Mitchell of the Cleveland Cavaliers guards Andrew Wiggins of the Miami Heat.
Despite a potential interest in Highsmith, Irwin noted that the Lakers’ primary target remains Wiggins, a former All-Star who helped lead the Golden State Warriors to a 2022 championship. Longtime NBA insider Marc Stein linked Wiggins to the Lakers following Luka Dončić’s long-term commitment.
“I don’t think that means they’ll swing a deal for just anyone, but L.A. would have interest in adding a two-way swingman who can raise their ceiling,” Stein wrote in his Sept. 8 The Stein Line newsletter. “The sort of player who is likely to interest the Lakers? My read (if Miami were to make him available): Andrew Wiggins. I also sense the Lakers would act if Miami prioritizes financial flexibility and trims payroll.”
Trade Talks Stalled Over Price
Irwin reported that the Heat’s asking price included Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, a first-round pick and potentially Dalton Knecht, a combination that stalled discussions.
“The Lakers would probably be fine moving off Dalton or Vincent for Wiggins, and maybe even Rui, but they definitely did not want to include Rui and the first-round pick together,” Irwin said. “That’s where the talks broke down.”
While nowhere near Wiggins’ star level, Highsmith, 28, could provide solid rotation support if healthy, giving the Lakers flexibility while waiting for trade conditions to soften. His versatility and experience could make him a valuable piece for a team looking to supplement its roster without surrendering major assets.
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