Lauri Markkanen Trade Rumors: Heat Linked to Jazz Star amid Warriors, Spurs Buzz

Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen is reportedly generating plenty of interest on the trade market this offseason.

According to ESPN's Zach Lowe, "a pile of teams" have expressed interest in the Finnish big man, including the Miami Heat, Golden State Warriors, San Antonio Spurs and Sacramento Kings.

Markkanen, 27, has one year remaining on his contract and could become an unrestricted free agent after the 2024-25 season if he doesn't sign a new deal before then.

Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports reported last week that the Jazz were "expected to prioritize" signing Markkanen to an extension.

However, Fischer noted that opposing organizations were simultaneously hoping the Jazz would decide to "punt" and trade Markkanen in the event of being unable to land a second star to play alongside him.

Fischer reported that the Jazz were involved in trade discussions with the Brooklyn Nets for Mikal Bridges, but he was traded to the New York Knicks instead, leaving Utah with largely the same roster it had last season.

The Warriors, Heat and Kings are all teams that were either in the playoffs or on the fringes of the playoffs last season, while the Spurs are looking to make a big leap forward in Victor Wembanyama's second season, making all of them logical landing spots for Markkanen should he get traded.

There is arguably no better shooting big man in the NBA than Markkanen.

In his first season with the Jazz in 2022-23 after getting traded from the Cleveland Cavaliers as part of the blockbuster deal involving Donovan Mitchell, Markkanen averaged 25.6 points, 8.6 rebounds and 3.0 three-pointers made per game, and he was named the NBA Most Improved Player and an All-Star for the first time.

Markkanen was not an All-Star last season, but his numbers were nearly as good, averaging 23.2 points, 8.2 rebounds and 3.2 three-pointers made per game, while shooting 48.0 percent from the floor and 39.9 percent from deep.

The Warriors arguably need Markkanen more than any of the other teams rumored to be interested in him since they lost Klay Thompson to the Dallas Mavericks in free agency.

Thompson was long the Warriors' No. 2 scoring option behind Stephen Curry, but that role is now vacant and could be filled ideally by Markkanen.

Both the Heat and Kings have highly talented teams that may just be one major piece away from reaching the next level. In Miami, Markkanen could star alongside Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo, or he could play with Domantas Sabonis and De'Aaron Fox in Sacramento.

As for the Spurs, they had the second-worst record in the Western Conference last season, but Wembanyama was every bit as good as advertised as a rookie.

Adding Markkanen would give the Spurs the best and most talented frontcourt in the NBA, plus they added veteran point guard Chris Paul in free agency and first-round pick Stephon Castle in the draft, meaning they would perhaps be ready to take a big step forward and compete for a playoff spot next season.