Should The Miami Heat Entertain A Trade For Utah Jazz’s Lauri Markkanen?

The Miami Heat could acquire forward Lauri Markkanen from the Utah Jazz

The Miami Heat’s 14-11 start to the regular season could lead to a multitude of changes by the February trade deadline.

Miami is not the lone team seeking change, as the Utah Jazz are the No. 12 seed in the Western Conference.

Utah’s star, Lauri Markkanen, could see a change of scenery if there are not serious improvements over the next few months. Markkanen is averaging 23.7 points and 8.6 rebounds on 48.7 percent shooting and 39 percent from three-point range.

Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale listed Markkanen among realistic trade targets for the Heat.

“There is a national obsession over the Miami Heat needing another from-scratch shot-creator and -maker,” Favale wrote. “It is not without merit. But getting bigger on the frontline is more important—in lineups both with and without Adebayo.”

Guard Tyler Herro is one of the biggest highlights for Miami this year in his limited time on the floor. Prior to injury, Herro was averaging career highs in points, assists, and steals. If Herro was requested in the deal, the Heat should consider elsewhere for additional pieces.

“Shooting should be a mandate in that spot," Favale continued. "On-ball attacks are negotiable, though they're preferred/helpful/gnarly as hell.”

Miami is shooting an NBA-best 39.2 percent from beyond the arc this season. Markkanen could further stretch the floor, but it’s clear shooting is not among their weaknesses.

However, if they could acquire the one-time All-Star without involving Herro, Miami should jump at the opportunity. Adding a fourth high-level scoring threat to their roster at the price of Kyle Lowry and Caleb Martin is hard to decline.

Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro Out Tonight Vs Bulls But Expected To Return Next Week

Anthony Pasciolla works as a contributing writer to Inside the Heat.

He can be reached at ampasciolla@gmail.com or follow him on Instagram @anthonypasci

You can also check out his personal blog HERE

Follow all of our Miami Heat coverage on Facebook here

Subscribe to our YouTube channel here