A bold three-team trade proposal is making waves in the NBA world, with a potential deal that would send LeBron James back to Miami while bringing Andrew Wiggins to the Los Angeles Lakers . As speculation around James’ future with the Lakers continues to build, this hypothetical trade scenario could mark a dramatic shift in the NBA landscape.
Proposed 3-Team Trade Details
The trade, pitched by Sports Illustrated’s Jackson Caudell, involves the Lakers, Miami Heat, and Atlanta Hawks. Here’s how the deal would break down:
The Lakers would part ways with their franchise cornerstone but gain a combination of youth, defensive talent, and a valuable future draft pick.
Lakers Look Ahead: Life After LeBron
Trading LeBron James would undoubtedly be a seismic move for the Lakers, but the return package aims to soften the blow. Wiggins, a former No. 1 pick, is under contract through the 2026–27 season on a four-year, $110 million deal, offering Los Angeles a controllable asset with All-Star experience. The addition of Terry Rozier, Highsmith, and Jaquez Jr. adds depth, defense, and potential upside to a roster in transition.
“Wiggins would fit nicely alongside Doncic and Reeves, and could even be brought back if things go well this season,” Caudell noted in his July 12, 2025 piece for Sports Illustrated. “Highsmith is a really good defender and might be the top perimeter defender on the Lakers instantly.”
Jaquez Jr. could benefit from a fresh start under new Lakers coach JJ Redick, while Rozier, in the final year of his contract, might offer short-term scoring punch or become a trade asset before the deadline.
LeBron’s Murky Future in Los Angeles
Signs have been pointing to a potential breakup between LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers. After the franchise declined to offer him a contract extension, it became clear the organization is preparing for a future without the four-time MVP. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst and Ramona Shelburne reported that the Lakers have “a planned end date” for James, whose current contract runs through the 2025–26 season.
“Paul also had to formally inform the Lakers that LeBron James intended to pick up the final year of his contract after the team did not engage in any substantial discussions about extending him by a year or two,” Windhorst and Shelburne wrote in their June 11 article for ESPN. They added, “It was abundantly clear that the 21-time All-Star’s time as the face of the Lakers had, for the first time, a planned end date, even if James’ record-setting NBA career did not yet.”
Miami Reunion and Hawks’ Incentive
In this proposed trade, James would make a high-profile return to Miami, where he won two NBA championships and cemented his legacy as one of the game’s greatest. Joining the Heat alongside Maxi Kleber and Vit Krejci, James could potentially chase one last ring in a familiar environment.
The Hawks, meanwhile, receive Gabe Vincent as compensation for facilitating the deal. While not a star piece, Vincent could bolster Atlanta’s backcourt rotation and bring veteran playoff experience to a young roster.
What This Means for All Sides
For the Lakers
- Marks a clear turning of the page from the LeBron era
- Brings in a younger core with upside
- Adds a future unprotected first-round pick for long-term planning
For the Heat
- Reunites James with his former franchise
- Signals a win-now mentality with championship aspirations
For the Hawks
- Acquires a useful guard in Gabe Vincent
- Plays a pivotal role in one of the league’s biggest trades of the decade
Also read: NBA Trade Rumors: Golden State Warriors could sign $52.6 million Los Angeles Lakers star to form power duo with Stephen Curry and bolster championship odds
As NBA free agency and trade talks continue heating up, this proposal might not be imminent—but it offers a fascinating glimpse into how teams are preparing for life after LeBron, and how his legacy continues to influence the balance of power in the league.
Proposed 3-Team Trade Details
The trade, pitched by Sports Illustrated’s Jackson Caudell, involves the Lakers, Miami Heat, and Atlanta Hawks. Here’s how the deal would break down:
The Lakers would part ways with their franchise cornerstone but gain a combination of youth, defensive talent, and a valuable future draft pick.
Lakers Look Ahead: Life After LeBron
Trading LeBron James would undoubtedly be a seismic move for the Lakers, but the return package aims to soften the blow. Wiggins, a former No. 1 pick, is under contract through the 2026–27 season on a four-year, $110 million deal, offering Los Angeles a controllable asset with All-Star experience. The addition of Terry Rozier, Highsmith, and Jaquez Jr. adds depth, defense, and potential upside to a roster in transition.
“Wiggins would fit nicely alongside Doncic and Reeves, and could even be brought back if things go well this season,” Caudell noted in his July 12, 2025 piece for Sports Illustrated. “Highsmith is a really good defender and might be the top perimeter defender on the Lakers instantly.”
Jaquez Jr. could benefit from a fresh start under new Lakers coach JJ Redick, while Rozier, in the final year of his contract, might offer short-term scoring punch or become a trade asset before the deadline.
LeBron’s Murky Future in Los Angeles
Signs have been pointing to a potential breakup between LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers. After the franchise declined to offer him a contract extension, it became clear the organization is preparing for a future without the four-time MVP. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst and Ramona Shelburne reported that the Lakers have “a planned end date” for James, whose current contract runs through the 2025–26 season.
“Paul also had to formally inform the Lakers that LeBron James intended to pick up the final year of his contract after the team did not engage in any substantial discussions about extending him by a year or two,” Windhorst and Shelburne wrote in their June 11 article for ESPN. They added, “It was abundantly clear that the 21-time All-Star’s time as the face of the Lakers had, for the first time, a planned end date, even if James’ record-setting NBA career did not yet.”
Miami Reunion and Hawks’ Incentive
In this proposed trade, James would make a high-profile return to Miami, where he won two NBA championships and cemented his legacy as one of the game’s greatest. Joining the Heat alongside Maxi Kleber and Vit Krejci, James could potentially chase one last ring in a familiar environment.
The Hawks, meanwhile, receive Gabe Vincent as compensation for facilitating the deal. While not a star piece, Vincent could bolster Atlanta’s backcourt rotation and bring veteran playoff experience to a young roster.
What This Means for All Sides
For the Lakers
- Marks a clear turning of the page from the LeBron era
- Brings in a younger core with upside
- Adds a future unprotected first-round pick for long-term planning
For the Heat
- Reunites James with his former franchise
- Signals a win-now mentality with championship aspirations
For the Hawks
- Acquires a useful guard in Gabe Vincent
- Plays a pivotal role in one of the league’s biggest trades of the decade
Also read: NBA Trade Rumors: Golden State Warriors could sign $52.6 million Los Angeles Lakers star to form power duo with Stephen Curry and bolster championship odds
As NBA free agency and trade talks continue heating up, this proposal might not be imminent—but it offers a fascinating glimpse into how teams are preparing for life after LeBron, and how his legacy continues to influence the balance of power in the league.
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