Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images

Erik Speolstra, Miami Heat

The Miami Heat have spent the last season or so hovering between contention and transition. They have talent, experience, and culture — but still lack the kind of star power that could take them back to the top of the East.

If they decide to make a move, Lauri Markkanen might be the swing worth taking.

The Utah Jazz forward has emerged as one of the NBA’s most complete bigs — a 7-footer who can shoot, rebound, and create offense without dominating the ball. After recent reports that Utah may be open to trade discussions, it’s a situation that Miami should at least be watching closely.

Utah’s Changing Timeline

According to Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated, the Jazz are now “very open for business” on Markkanen after previously declining multiple trade offers, including one from the Golden State Warriors last summer.

Utah’s direction makes sense. With a roster stacked with young talent — Walker Kessler, Keyonte George, Ace Bailey, and Taylor Hendricks among others — the 28-year-old Markkanen doesn’t fit their long-term timeline.

That said, NBA insider Jake Fischer has noted that the Jazz aren’t actively shopping him. Even so, it’s reasonable to expect Utah will continue to listen if the right offer comes along.

How Markkanen Fits With the Heat

On paper, Markkanen would be an ideal complement to Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro. He brings shooting, size, and flexibility — three things Miami has lacked in its frontcourt.

Since joining Utah, Markkanen has averaged 23.1 points and 8.1 rebounds per game while shooting nearly 40% from three. His ability to stretch the floor would give Adebayo more space inside and allow Herro to operate with less defensive pressure.

Even at EuroBasket 2025, Markkanen’s form turned heads — dropping 48 points for Team Finland in a pre-tournament tune-up. The skill is real. So is the upside.

The Cost of Doing Business for the Heat

The challenge for Miami is the price.

To get a deal done, the Jazz would almost certainly require a package built around Tyler Herro, Nikola Jović, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and multiple first-round picks. That’s a lot of future flexibility to give up — and potentially too much for a team that has already traded away key draft assets in recent years.

Some frameworks could exclude Herro and rely more heavily on draft compensation and role-player salaries. But if Utah insists on Herro as the centerpiece, the Heat may find themselves reluctant to go that far.

It’s the kind of decision that tests a front office’s conviction.

A Question of Timing

The Jazz haven’t made a move yet. But if their season stalls and Markkanen’s market grows, the Heat could be among the first teams to make a call.

Whether they have the appetite — or the assets — to make a deal that large remains to be seen.

Markkanen checks a number of boxes for Miami. The question is whether the cost of landing him would outweigh the potential reward.

Keith Watkins Keith Watkins is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, and Los Angeles Lakers. He previously wrote for FanSided, NBA Analysis Network, and Last Word On Sports. Keith is based in Bangkok, Thailand. More about Keith Watkins