The Miami Heat, famously, refuse to ever tank or rebuild. Bless their hearts.
If Miami wants to go all-in–and you know they do–now would be the time. The Eastern Conference is weaker than ever before, and the Heat already boast two All-Stars in Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo. Add in Norman Powell, who the Heat traded for this summer, and they are dark-horse contenders.
However, Powell is coming off one excellent season. If he reverts to his career averages, he is a normal third option, leaving Herro and Adebayo high and dry.
In four preseason games, both his shooting and scoring have taken a dip. It’s far too early to panic, although if he doesn’t return to his near All-Star level play, Miami might have to rethink some things.
GettySALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – DECEMBER 01: Lauri Markkanen #23 of the Utah Jazz looks on during the second half against the Los Angeles Lakers at Delta Center on December 01, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
Miami Heat Could Add Lauri Markkanen
In Miami’s constant effort to remain in the playoff picture, the Heat have been linked to Lauri Markkanen. He is two seasons removed from his All-Star appearance, although he is only 28 years old. On top of that, his slight regression is thanks to the Utah Jazz’s shameless tanking effort.
Markkanen wouldn’t come cheap, and he’s not on a team-friendly contract, although the Jazz could capitalize on Miami’s desperation, especially if Powell takes a step back.
“Miami could talk themselves into it because they want to compete every single night,” outlined Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix. “I was watching some of the Hawks game the other night. Norm Powell had the worst third quarter I’ve ever seen. He had like four fouls in the third quarter and missed a whole bunch of shots.”
Powell is four years older than Markkanen and isn’t expected to be a long-term piece. If Miami could manage to keep some youngsters in a deal, then the Heat could manage to quickly build a winner.
Kel’el Ware and Pelle Larsson, as well as rookie Kasparas Jakučionis, should be untouchable in possible trade talks.
Mock Trade Sends Lauri Markkanen to Miami Heat
The only way the Heat would entertain a deal is if Powell remains disappointing through the New Year. If he finds his footing, Miami is expected to stay the course.
The Jazz, clearly, will want players on expiring deals, young players, and draft picks. The Heat have the assets to get a deal done, although it won’t give the Jazz the instant gratification they might crave.
Full Mock Trade Details
- Miami Heat receive: Lauri Markkanen
- Utah Jazz receive: Norman Powell, Terry Rozier, 2029 first-round pick, 2031 first-round pick, 2032 pick swap
Both Powell and Rozier are on expiring deals, and the Heat can retain Andrew Wiggins, either for his defense or his trade value to replenish the draft pick supplies.
The Jazz walk away with more than $40 million in cap space next summer and two picks from a Heat team that should be past its prime by the time they convey. Utah might prefer draft picks in the near future instead of waiting around for up to half a decade, but beggars can’t be choosers. By signing Markkanen to a massive deal, the Jazz most certainly are beggars.
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