3 Reasons why Lauri Markkanen is the perfect Heat trade target
As reported by Zach Lowe and Marc Stein of ESPN, the Miami Heat recently have expressed interest in Utah Jazz star big-man Lauri Markkanen. Miami has reportedly joined the Golden State Warriors, San Antonio Spurs and Sacramento Kings in the race for Markkanen on the trade market. Heat insider Barry Jackson also confirmed the report, while also downplaying the chances of the team being able to acquire him.
Heat among several teams that have shown interest in Markannen, per ESPN. Jazz asked Heat for moon and stars in past general trade talks with Miami and have always valued the type of tradable draft capital that the Heat simply lacks. https://t.co/m8pIsHbXw2
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) July 5, 2024
Realistically speaking, Jackson has a valid point. Danny Ainge of the Jazz traditionally targets a pretty hefty package of draft capital in trades like this throughout his career. He was the man in charge of the Boston Celtics blockbuster 2013 trade with Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett; the same trade that handed Boston draft picks that would then turn into Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, respectively.
More recently, Ainge demanded a plethora of draft picks in the Rudy Gobert/Minnesota Timberwolves trade. He received five picks, among more, in the total package to offload Gobert.
The Heat have just one tradeable first round pick (2030), but they do have attractive young pieces to complement any potential package. Ainge has coveted Tyler Herro in the past, and Miami also has assets in Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Nikola Jovic who could arguably trump a draft pick in negotiations.
Markkanen averaged 23.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 0.9 steals on 48% shooting and 40% from 3-point range last season.
Outside of the former NBA All-Star’s strong individual stats, there are three reasons to justify Markkanen being the most perfect target for a team like the Heat.