Lauri Markkanen Traded To The Miami Heat: Reaction
The NBA is in the middle of one of the most thrilling starts to a postseason in years.
This postseason has already seen upsets, buzzer-beaters, and comebacks that have created iconic moments for fan bases to remember forever.
All while this is going on, rumors have already started up for player movement this offseason in what could be a high drama-filled few months.
Bleacher Report put out a list of ‘No-brainer NBA trade ideas. Including one deal that would send Lauri Markkanen to the Miami Heat in a big package deal:
Utah Jazz to Trade Lauri Markkanen to the Miami Heat
Today, we are going to break down this deal and the impact that it would have on both teams involved.
Is There a Winner in This Trade?
At face value, the Heat would be giving up a lot of value and assets in this trade; however, it might not be as lopsided as it appears. Markkanen is going to make around $46.4 million in the 25-26 season. This requires a haul of contracts in return to make this deal possible.
Markkanen has shown what he’s capable of. He was an all-star just two seasons ago when he averaged 25.6 PPG and won Most Improved Player as well that season. Many teams could use a versatile wing like Markkanen, who is a 7-foot small forward/power forward that can do a little bit of everything.How Would This Impact the Miami Heat?
Miami finally traded away franchise player Jimmy Butler before the trade deadline. This led the Heat to have a team with the depth of several good rotational players. Having all these assets in the offseason now allows them to package players together and get a star player like Lauri Markkanen.
The Heat had a disappointing end to their season. Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo, who both have had at least one all-star selection in the past couple of seasons, have continued to play great and are players to build around. Most of the rotation players on Miami are under contract through this upcoming season.
So, packaging contracts before having to pay players they aren’t guaranteed to bring back can be beneficial.
Miami has always been known for being able to develop young talent well, which they have in players like Kel’el Ware and Jamie Jaquez Jr. One of the reasons why Miami was able to make a run to the NBA Finals in the 2023 playoffs was because of the impact and rise of Gabe Vincent, Max Strus, and Caleb Martin.
