The Utah Jazz have jumped to the front of the trade conversation as the rumor mill has heated. Multiple reports suggested teams calling about Lauri Markkanen (subscription required) have not been completely shut down. He was a surprise All-Star in 2023 and won’t come cheap. The Jazz have are unlikely to part with him so quickly, but Markkanen could have a special distinction.
Zach LaVine, Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby, and DeMar DeRozan are the hottest names on the trade market right now. Markkanen could be the best player available at the deadline, despite his desire to stay (subscription required) in Salt Lake City. Jazz fans don’t want to see him leave, but the franchise may receive a massive offer from a contender in need.
Utah should only accept a blockbuster package, and here are five that are just too good to pass up.
5. Heat find their star in Lauri Markkanen
The Miami Heat are always chasing their next star. They wanted Damian Lillard and tried to land Jrue Holiday, but did not have the top offer. Miami can only offer two first-round picks in a trade, but is that enough to land Markkanen?
The Heat can sweeten things by throwing in a few first-round pick swaps. Utah would be banking on Miami to struggle moving forward, which has been a bad bet in recent years. Here is the Heat’s top offer for the All-Star forward.
The Heat finally get their third star to pair with Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. It cost them virtually all of their assets. They would still have Kyle Lowry’s expiring contract, Tyler Herro, and two first round picks swaps to improve their roster, but that is a difficult package to sell for anything more than a rotation piece.
The Utah Jazz would have to believe Nikola Jovic can blossom into a key contributor. He played well in the 2023 FIBA World Cup but has not been in the rotation for the Heat. The draft capital is strong, but other teams are willing to offer more for a prime All-Star.