After a quiet offseason, Pat Riley and Heat look to make big splash on Lauri Markkanen: Report
The Miami Heat have joined the Lauri Markkanen sweepstakes amid a quiet offseason. The Heat haven't made a significant move in the past two offseason, significantly holding them back from competing in the Eastern Conference against their top rivals, who are constantly looking to improve.
However, Heat executive Pat Riley seems to be playing the long game here to make an acquisition that actually moves the needle. Markkanen is exactly who they might need to get back in the mix as a heavy favorite in the East.
ESPN's Zach Lowe reported the team's interest in adding Lauri Markkanen. It won't be easy for the Heat, though. Miami faces competition from multiple teams, including the Golden State Warriors, Sacramento Kings and San Antonio Spurs. The Jazz reportedly don't view moving Markkanen as a necessity, but they would change their stance if the right offer is presented.
Lauri Markkanen, 27, is the hottest trade commodity in the NBA, viewed as a plug-and-play star who could elevate nearly all contenders. The 7-footer is a rare offensive weapon, shooting a high volume of 3s efficiently. He made 39.9% of his 3-pointers on 8.0 attempts.
He could be the perfect fit next to Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo, negating their weaknesses as mediocre long-range shooters. He would add much-needed size to Miami's frontcourt with their two stars.
Miami Heat will have to give up the house to get Lauri Markkanen
Getting Lauri Markkanen means giving up most, if not all valuable assets. The Miami Heat will likely have to part ways with Tyler Herro, 2024 first-round selection Kel'el Ware, one of Jaime Jaquez Jr. or Nikola Jovic, at least three of their four first-round picks, with one protected pick.
The Markkanen sweepstakes are all about an offer Danny Ainge and his staff can't refuse, making the price will be hefty. For Miami, its window is closing with Jimmy Butler. If the plan is to contend, the time is now to make the splash and improve the roster to have a shot against teams like the Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, Milwaukee Bucks, and Philadelphia 76ers.
The Orlando Magic and Cleveland Cavaliers are also better than the Miami Heat as presently constructed. They finished above Miami in the standings, who wound up in the play-in tournament for the second consecutive year.
Butler is 34 and is not getting any younger or healthier at this stage. He's had multiple injury-riddled years, hampering Miami's chances of improving its regular season record. He has two years, including a player option, left on his current deal, so the window is now or never for Pat Riley and Co.