Earlier this summer, the Miami Heat reached an agreement with Andrew Wiggins on a three-year $64 million contract extension.
Wiggins has been with the Heat since the 2025 trade deadline. Last season, he played in 68 regular-season games, averaging 15.4 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.7 assists, shooting 51.6% from two-point range and 41.4% from deep.
However, we’re yet to see Wiggins reach the level of two-way impact we saw from him when he was a catalyst for the Golden State Warriors‘ championship in 2022.
With that in mind, ESPN’s Zach Kram, who has graded every move this offseason, has given Miami a C grade for their latest deal with Wiggins.
“Wiggins’ extension is reportedly coming in two parts. First, he’s opting into his $30.2 million player option for 2026-27,” Kram explained. “Then he’s adding two years and $34 million afterward, with another player option in the final year.”
Kram continued.
“In the short term, the first year of Wiggins’ new pact is more problematic, because rather than spread out the $64 million total more evenly across three seasons — or even backload the contract to make the 2026-27 payment as small as possible — Wiggins will earn the most money next season..Taking the full $30.2 million next season is Wiggins’ prerogative — that’s the whole point of a player option — but restructuring his new deal differently could have helped Miami retain free agent guard Norman Powell.”
Wiggins’ two-way ability will be vital for the Heat this season, as they look to build their system around Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Heat Expected To Avoid Russell Westbrook Deal
While Miami gets a middling grade for their deal with Wiggins, they may redeem themselves by avoiding Russell Westbrook in free agency. Pat Riley will undoubtedly be scouring the market after missing out on LeBron James, who opted to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers on July 24.
However, according to a scout who spoke with Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald, Westbrook is would be a mistake for Miami.
“I wouldn’t touch him in a million years,” the scout told Jackson. “The way he plays, he can’t really shoot. You need a more deferential system kind of guy.”
Jackson then noted that Westbrook’s limited perimeter game would hurt the Heat’s ability to build a successful roster around their new superstar.
“Though he was 13th in the league in assists last season, he’s a career 30.2% three-point shooter, and it thus would be difficult to play him alongside Antetokounmpo and Adebayo and have the necessary spacing offensively.”
Heat Should Target Shooters
If Riley does continue to make moves in the coming weeks, he would be wise to place a premium on shooting talent. Seth Curry and Doug McDermott are currently both free agents, and would provide the floor-spacing the Heat need to get the best out of Giannis.
At this point in the summer, locating the best single-skill talents may be the best path forward. Of course, Miami could also explore a deal with Bradley Beal to add some playmaking to the bench unit, too.
Nevertheless, additional shooting should certainly be the focus for Miami’s front office. If they can find the right guys, Erik Spoelstra’s team will be a tough out for anyone in the Eastern Conference next season.
Like HEAVY’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on HEAVY
The post Heat’s Andrew Wiggins Extension Earns Telling Offseason Grade appeared first on HEAVY.