Andrew Wiggins Expected to Start 2025-26 Season with Miami Heat Amid Trade Rumors
In a move that could reshape the Miami Heat’s championship aspirations, league sources indicate that Andrew Wiggins is expected to begin the 2025–26 NBA season in a Heat jersey, silencing a storm of trade rumors that have surrounded the former All-Star since his arrival in South Beach last spring. While speculation swirled about a possible move involving Wiggins and draft capital, Miami’s front office appears committed to integrating the versatile forward into its long-term core.
Wiggins, who was acquired in a blockbuster deadline deal from the Golden State Warriors in February 2025, endured an uneven transition to the Heat. Battling a minor ankle injury and learning Erik Spoelstra’s famously complex defensive schemes, Wiggins posted modest numbers—averaging 14.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game over 27 contests. But insiders within the organization point to his growing chemistry with Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler as a reason for optimism.
“People underestimate how hard it is to step into our system midseason,” one team official said. “But Wiggins has embraced the Heat culture—his conditioning has improved, and we’re starting to see flashes of the two-way impact that made him so valuable in Golden State.”
During a recent offseason press conference, Heat President Pat Riley was unusually blunt about the team’s intentions. “We’re not trading Andrew,” Riley said. “He’s a two-way wing in his prime. He fits what we do. Period.”
The Heat’s front office reportedly fielded exploratory calls from several teams—including the New Orleans Pelicans and the Sacramento Kings—both eager to add a battle-tested perimeter defender with playoff pedigree. However, no offers met Miami’s valuation, especially given Wiggins’ team-friendly contract, which runs through 2027 at a declining scale due to incentives tied to games played and postseason success.
What makes this development even more notable is the Heat’s shifting roster strategy. With Kyle Lowry’s retirement and uncertainty around Tyler Herro’s future, Miami is expected to lean heavily on defensive identity and switch-heavy schemes. Wiggins, at 6’7″ with a 7-foot wingspan, projects to be a critical cog in guarding elite perimeter threats and providing transition offense.
Fans have taken notice too. Summer workouts have showcased Wiggins training alongside Butler and new acquisition Dorian Finney-Smith, working on midrange pull-ups, corner threes, and aggressive help-side defense. “He looks more locked in than ever,” said Heat assistant coach Malik Allen. “There’s a hunger there—like he knows this is his chance to be more than a role player.”
While rumors may persist until the February trade deadline, for now, Wiggins remains a central figure in Miami’s push to return to the NBA Finals. Whether he evolves into a franchise cornerstone or a high-value trade asset, the Heat’s commitment signals belief in his untapped potential—and perhaps a new chapter for both player and team.
