**The Miami Heat have never been afraid of the big swing, and Lauri Markkanen might just be the one worth taking.**
For years, the Heat have operated under a simple but effective philosophy: identify undervalued talent, build a culture of relentless work, and strike when the opportunity for a superstar arises. From the Big Three era to the Jimmy Butler trade, Miami’s front office, led by Pat Riley, has never shied away from aggressive moves that shift the franchise’s trajectory. Now, as the Utah Jazz’s Lauri Markkanen continues his ascent into elite offensive territory, the Heat may have another chance to make a franchise-altering move.
Markkanen’s recent explosion for 48 points in a EuroBasket 2025 warm-up game for Team Finland was a reminder of just how lethal he can be. At 7 feet tall with a silky-smooth jumper, elite footwork, and the ability to attack closeouts, he has evolved into one of the NBA’s most versatile scorers. Last season with the Jazz, he averaged 23.2 points and 8.2 rebounds while shooting 39.9% from three—numbers that place him firmly in All-Star territory. But what makes him particularly intriguing for Miami is how seamlessly his skills complement the Heat’s existing core.
Bam Adebayo is the defensive anchor and playmaking hub, Tyler Herro the microwave scorer, and Jimmy Butler the relentless closer. What the Heat lack, however, is a true offensive fulcrum who can stretch defenses, punish switches, and take pressure off Butler in the playoffs. Markkanen checks every box. His ability to play as a stretch four—or even a small-ball five—would give Erik Spoelstra endless lineup flexibility. Imagine Adebayo operating in the high post with Markkanen spotting up, or Butler driving into a lane cleared by Markkanen’s gravity. Defenses would have no easy answers.
The fit isn’t just theoretical—it’s backed by Miami’s history of maximizing players with similar skill sets. Remember how Chris Bosh’s shooting unlocked Miami’s offense during the Big Three era? Markkanen could fill a similar role, albeit with more off-the-dribble creativity. His size also addresses one of Miami’s recurring weaknesses: rebounding. The Heat ranked just 26th in total rebounds last season, and Markkanen’s length and activity on the glass would immediately shore up that deficiency.
Of course, acquiring him won’t be easy. The Jazz have shown no indication they’re eager to move him, especially after his breakout season. If they do entertain offers, the price will be astronomical—likely multiple first-round picks, young talent like Jaime Jaquez Jr. or Nikola Jović, and possibly even Tyler Herro. But if there’s one lesson from Miami’s past, it’s that Riley has never let cost deter him when a true difference-maker is available. The Heat’s 2023 Finals run proved they’re close to contention, but adding a player of Markkanen’s caliber could push them over the top.
The timing is also worth considering. Butler isn’t getting younger, and Adebayo is in his prime. Miami’s championship window is open now, and Markkanen—just 27 years old—fits perfectly within that timeline. Utah, meanwhile, is still in the early stages of a rebuild. If they decide to stockpile assets rather than build around Markkanen, Miami should be first in line with an aggressive offer.
There’s also the Spoelstra factor. Few coaches in the league are better at tailoring systems to their players’ strengths, and Markkanen’s game would thrive in Miami’s motion-heavy, read-and-react offense. His defensive limitations (he’s improved but still not a lockdown presence) would be mitigated by the Heat’s switch-heavy scheme and Adebayo’s ability to cover ground.
The risk, of course, is whether Markkanen can maintain his production in a higher-pressure environment. Utah’s system allowed him to flourish as the No. 1 option, but Miami would ask him to adapt to a more balanced role. Still, his experience playing alongside Donovan Mitchell in Cleveland and now with the Finnish national team suggests he can excel as both a focal point and a complementary piece.
Ultimately, this comes down to Miami’s willingness to bet big. The Heat have built a reputation on finding diamonds in the rough—Duncan Robinson, Max Strus, Gabe Vincent—but championships are usually won by teams with multiple elite talents. Markkanen may not be a household name yet, but his skill set is exactly what the Heat need to take the next step.
Pat Riley has never been one to wait for opportunities; he creates them. If the Jazz ever make Markkanen available, don’t be surprised if Miami makes the kind of bold, all-in move that has defined its most successful eras. The price will be steep, but the reward—a championship-caliber trio of Butler, Adebayo, and Markkanen—could be worth it.
The Heat’s window won’t stay open forever. If Markkanen is the key to maximizing it, Riley might just have to pull the trigger. Again.
