Chris
- The Miami Heat desperately need another star player to compete at a high level
- Lauri Markkanen gives the Heat another consistent offensive player outside of Jimmy Butler
- The Utah Jazz would be getting a great value package in this trade
The Miami Heat made the NBA Finals in 2023, and there’s no doubt that they are a good team as of right now. They are disciplined defensively, and the front office consistently develops lesser-known prospects into good role players. With that being said, it is clear that they still have weaknesses. In the 2023 NBA Finals, they had a hard time finding consistent scoring outside of Jimmy Butler, and it is clear that another offensive player could be the piece that makes them a true championship-level team. Since the team has no salary cap space, the way to acquire that player is via trade.
Forward Lauri Markkanen of the Utah Jazz could be the right player for the Miami Heat, and in theory, he should be a good fit with the franchise due to his scoring ability. Here is a potential trade package.
Miami Heat Receive: Lauri Markkanen, Simone Fontecchio
Utah Jazz Receive: Tyler Herro, 2027 First-Round Pick (MIA), 2029 First-Round Pick (MIA)
There is no doubt that this deal could potentially work out for both the Utah Jazz and the Miami Heat. Here is why the two teams should consider making a deal with this framework at some point before the start of the season.
Lauri Markkanen Is A Perfect Fit With The Miami Heat Franchise
Lauri Markkanen was one of the best power forwards in the league last season, showing that he is one of the best shooting big men in the league and developing into an All-Star level player. He put up 25.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game for the Utah Jazz, and won the 2023 Most Improved Player award. He is the perfect acquisition for the Miami Heat, as he provides 3PT shooting, scoring, and rebounding.
Though it is clear that Markkanen is not the best defensive player, the Miami Heat pairing him with Bam Adebayo in the frontcourt could minimize his weaknesses on that end of the floor. Markkanen isn’t the best shot blocker, but he will add more size at the PF position, and ensure that the team isn’t outrebounded by other squads.
The key reason for the Miami Heat to add Lauri Markkanen is to add another consistent offensive star next to Jimmy Butler. Markkanen’s addition would allow Adebayo to focus on the defensive end, and not worry as much about offense. In the playoffs, Markkanen’s ability to get his shot off against most defenders due to his 7’0 frame will be crucial.
Losing Tyler Herro and future first-round picks does hurt the franchise, but it is time for them to go all-in on Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. They have a real chance of winning a championship with this core, and though Tyler Herro is a good player, they still managed to make the NBA Finals without him. A win-now trade is just what the team needs to reach the next level, and Lauri Markkanen is clearly the right target.
The Utah Jazz Move Lauri Markkanen And Continue Their Rebuild
Though Lauri Markkanen did make the All-Star team last season, the Utah Jazz finished 37-45 on the season and did not even make the play-in tournament. Perhaps now is the time for the Utah Jazz to trade him: he only has two years left on his deal, and there is no guarantee that he will re-sign with the franchise. The Jazz also have other good big men on the roster, such as John Collins and Walker Kessler already. This deal from the Miami Heat would get the team draft compensation to help with their rebuild, as well as a great guard in Tyler Herro.
Tyler Herro had a solid regular season with the Miami Heat last season, averaging 20.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game last season, while shooting 37.8% from 3PT range. He could blossom further if given a bigger role on the Utah Jazz, and it would be interesting to see what Tyler Herro would look like as the lead guard. Herro’s shot creation is already solid as well, and he is an efficient player who can be a future centerpiece for the Utah Jazz.
