The Los Angeles Lakers have reportedly shown significant interest in Miami Heat forward Andrew Wiggins this offseason. However, their front office, led by Rob Pelinka, may be reluctant to meet the Heat’s high asking price.
As such, the Lakers may be best served scouring the NBA for a Wiggins alternative. Fadeaway World believes Philadelphia 76ers forward Quentin Grimes, a restricted free agent, could be the perfect failsafe option if the Lakers can’t land Wiggins. The proposal would also see the Lakers part with two players and a future protected first-round pick.
Lakers would receive: Quentin Grimes (via Sign-And-Trade)
76ers would receive: Jarred Vanderbilt, Dalton Knecht, first-round pick (protected)
Why the Lakers Do It
While Grimes isn’t the quality perimeter defender that Wiggins is, the 25-year-old may be a better offensive player and has a lot of upside to grow into a better all-around player. Last season, he averaged an impressive 21.9 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.5 assists while draining 2.9 threes per game for the 76ers. Grimes possesses the perfect skillset desired by modern NBA teams, especially his catch-and-shoot ability.
“He isn’t as physically imposing as Wiggins, and his defensive reputation, while strong, is not yet cemented at the same level. Critics argue that his numbers from last season were circumstantial, the byproduct of a Sixers roster riddled with injuries.
“But Grimes is only 25 years old and already considered an elite perimeter defender with sharp footwork, the ability to navigate screens, and quick hands to generate steals. Unlike Wiggins, who is firmly in his prime, Grimes still has room to grow. The Lakers could be betting on his ceiling rather than relying solely on his current resume.”
Makes Sense for 76ers
With nearly $145 million committed to their Big 3 of Joel Embiid, Paul George and Tyrese Maxey, the 76ers are in a tricky spot entering the 2025-26 season. If they pay Grimes what he desires, they’d be locking themselves into a hole in the 2026 and 2027 offseasons when several superstar players could hit the open market.
Furthermore, the proposed haul for Grimes could help them in a number of ways. Jarred Vanderbilt could slip into a power forward role next to Embiid, and Knecht could continue to grow as a sharpshooter off the bench.
“Vanderbilt gives the Sixers a versatile defensive forward who can switch across multiple positions, rebound, and do the dirty work alongside Joel Embiid. His contract is manageable, and his hustle-first game fits well on a roster that already has offensive stars.
“The bigger prize might be Dalton Knecht, the rookie sharpshooter who averaged nearly 22 points at Tennessee and shot almost 40% from three. He’s on a cheap rookie deal and could step right into Nick Nurse’s system as a floor-spacing wing around Embiid, Maxey, and Paul George.
“Add in the 2031 first-rounder a pick that could carry significant value if the Lakers are rebuilding by then, and Philly gets a mix of youth, depth, and long-term assets.”
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Lakers Trade Pitch Lands Andrew Wiggins Plan B Option appeared first on Heavy Sports.