The Miami Heat’s search for a new franchise cornerstone has been a major talking point, especially following the departure of Jimmy Butler, which left a significant gap in Erik Spoelstra’s lineup. Since their early exit from the 2024-25 season, most speculation has centered around Miami adding seasoned veterans to their roster.
However, Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz recently proposed a trade that could take the Heat in a younger direction. His suggested deal is as follows:
Miami Heat receive: Lauri Markkanen
Utah Jazz receive: Nikola Jovic, Terry Rozier, Duncan Robinson, a 2025 first-round pick (via Golden State), and a top-five protected 2030 first-round pick
Swartz explained, “A frontcourt featuring Markkanen, Kel’el Ware, and Bam Adebayo could give the Heat a solid blend of perimeter shooting and defensive flexibility. After being swept in the first round and averaging just 95.5 points per game, Miami could benefit greatly from Markkanen’s offensive skill set.”
Markkanen was the subject of trade speculation last summer before ultimately re-signing with the Jazz. Still, Utah’s ongoing rebuilding efforts could motivate the All-Star forward to seek a new opportunity. If he does, Miami could be an appealing destination—provided he meshes with Spoelstra’s system.
Heat Could Choose to Take a Gap Year
In his June 2 offseason outlook for the Miami Heat, Spotrac salary cap analyst Keith Smith explained why enduring a down season could benefit the franchise in the long run.
“They could realistically enter the summer of 2026 with between $30 and $40 million in cap space — potentially even more,” Smith noted. “Of course, if the Heat manage to land a star in a trade this offseason, that would change the entire equation. But regardless, they’re positioned with solid financial flexibility moving forward.”
Smith went on to add:
“This could end up being another transitional season. Since Miami fully owns its 2026 first-round pick, it might be a smart time to embrace a reset year. Then, with both cap space and a high draft pick, the Heat could make major moves in the summer of 2026.”
That said, longtime team president Pat Riley has never been one to tolerate losing, even in the name of long-term success. Convincing him to endure a rebuilding year might be a hard sell.
Heat Unlikely to Land a Top-Tier Superstar
Bill Simmons doesn’t see the Miami Heat as serious contenders to land Giannis Antetokounmpo this offseason. The longtime analyst believes Miami simply lacks the trade assets needed to pull off such a blockbuster move.
“I wish Miami had one more key player because there’s a ‘Bam and all your picks for Giannis’ scenario that could technically work,” Simmons said on a recent episode of The Bill Simmons Show. “But that would just leave Giannis in a similar situation to what he’s already in.”
Simmons’ doubts likely apply to other superstar targets as well, such as Kevin Durant. That’s why pursuing someone like Lauri Markkanen could be a more realistic and balanced option for the Heat.
That said, there’s no clear indication that Utah is open to moving Markkanen—or that Miami’s assets would be enough to spark interest. Still, that probably won’t stop Pat Riley from at least exploring the possibility.