Miami Heat Poised to Secure Former NBA All-Star Lauri Markkanen
The Miami Heat, who have been quite passive throughout the free agency and are still waiting to make their signings, suddenly have shown interest in Utah Jazz’s Lauri Markkanen. Heat sources told ESPN’s Zach Lowe about the team’s alleged interest in adding the Finnish star to their team. This interest comes as the heat continues to look for reinforcements they need for the new season.
Lauri Markkanen’s Rising Stock
Lauri Markkanen is a one-time basketball participant in the NBA All-Star Game, and several teams demonstrated interest in him. It is also stated that the Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings are also targeting the 7-foot-tall player. Nonetheless, according to Deseret News’ Sarah Todd, Utah is not necessarily actively trying to trade Markkanen but rather floating its price in the market.
“I wouldn’t categorize the Lauri situation as the Jazz ‘shopping’ him. There are interested teams that are gauging what it would take to get Markkanen away from Utah,” Todd tweeted. “I stand by the idea that the Jazz don’t want to trade Lauri, but if they get a godfather offer, it’s possible.”
Markkanen has spent the last two seasons with the Utah Jazz after being traded from the Cleveland Cavaliers. During his time with the Jazz, he earned an All-Star selection and won the Most Improved Player award in the 2022-23 season. Markkanen has averaged an impressive 24.5 points and 8.4 rebounds per game with Utah.
A Strategic Move for the Miami Heat
Yahoo Sports’ Jake Fischer reported that the Jazz are “welcoming calls on Markkanen,” though they are not desperate to trade him. Fischer also noted that the Jazz might want to negotiate a contract extension with Markkanen next month. This strategic move could be an attempt to secure his long-term future with the team.
If Miami Heat happens to who Markkanen is, that could very well be a game changer for Miami Heat. The Heat had a 46-36 record for the previous season and were ousted in the first round by Celtics, the later champions of the series. But waiting for Jimmy Butler and knowing his status with the team undecided, adding Markkanen to the equation would make Miami fully unlock the title contention window. Having Markkanen score and rebound would be a welcome addition for the Heat as they look to go for another deep NBA playoff run.