Grade the mock trade: Heat give up on Lillard, acquire All-Star forward

The Miami Heat would not be landing Damian Lillard in this scenario, but they would be getting an excellent consolation prize in return. The Heat would add Markkanen, a three-level scorer who can play alongside Bam Adebayo.

Markkanen has a unique skill set that would allow for more offensive flexibility. For example, his height gives the Heat more size than they have had in the past, but his frame and handle allows him to play many different positions, including the small forward.

Markkanen is not a shot creating ball-handler like Lillard, but he still fills many of the team’s needs. He adds a big scoring punch and can allow Miami to have bigger lineups.

Considering what the Heat would give up in return for Markkanen, this trade is a steal. The Heat would have to give up a lot of trade assets but aren’t losing too much in return. The key part of this trade is that Miami would be keeping Tyler Herro, who could still be a valuable scoring threat for the Heat.

Overall, Lauri Markkanen pushes the Heat back into title contention, as they arguably become a better team than last season. If the Heat want to win now, Markkanen is one path they could take.

Grade: A-