The Miami Heat’s acquisition of scoring guard Norman Powell for only Kyle Anderson, Kevin Love, and a second-round selection is a tremendous win, but team president Pat Riley may have another plan.
Andrew Wiggins, a former No. 1 choice, was the centerpiece of Jimmy Butler’s return to the Golden State Warriors at last season’s trade deadline. However, it is probable that he has already suited up for the Heat for the last time. The addition of Powell indicates a desire to compete, but his expiring contract also demonstrates that they are willing to develop their young players if the 2026 campaign fails.
Wiggins, on the other hand, is constructed specifically to play for a contender, which is why a hypothetical trade would allow the Heat to add flexibility to their squad.
The proposed agreement sends Wiggins and Haywood Highsmith to the Los Angeles Lakers, Maxi Kleber. Gave Vincent, Shake Milton, and Jordan Goodwin join the Washington Wizards, while the Heat obtain Khris Middleton, Dalton Knecht, and a 2032 first-round selection (via LAL, top-five protected).
Middleton is approaching the final season of his three-year, $93 million contract, so the Heat are not stuck if he struggles next year. The 33-year-old NBA champion is clearly regressing, averaging only 11.9 points on 47.5% shooting in 2025.
Knecht, a 24-year-old sophomore, joining Miami relieves some of the burden on Middleton to succeed because he fits in with the young core lead by Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and others.
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