NBA Trade Rumors: Miami Heat Finally Land Laurie Markkanen in Proposed Deal

Laurie Markkanen was a hot name on the rumor mill last offseason until he signed a massive five-year, $238 million extension with the Utah Jazz in August. But there are those who don't feel that Jazz CEO Danny Ainge is definitely committed to Markkanen for the long term, and could easily flip him this offseason in his seemingly never-ending Jazz rebuild.

One team that lost a huge chunk of offense and a big star this past season, the Miami Heat, are being floated as a potential landing spot for the big Finn.

Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report has proposed the following seven-player blockbuster that could move Markkanen to South Beach:

Miami Heat Receive:

F Lauri Markkanen
G Collin Sexton
G Jordan Clarkson

Utah Jazz Receive:

F Nikola Jović
F Andrew Wiggins
G Terry Rozier
F Duncan Robinson
2025 first-round pick (via Golden State Warriors)
2029 first-round pick (top-5 protected)

The Heat would be receiving a big chunk of the Jazz's starting lineup, though they'd have to hope that Markkanen returns to full health and top form after a knee injury hampered him this past season. His production dropped considerably, as he averaged 19 points and 5.9 rebounds while shooting just 34.6% from long distance, compared to the 24 points, 8.4 boards and 39.4% from three that he averaged in his first two superstar-like seasons in Utah.

Sexton and Clarkson are major pieces as well, and are certainly not "throw-ins" by any means. Sexton would provide Miami with the point guard it needs, while Clarkson is a tremendous scorer off the bench. The Heat, with Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro already in place, would be ready to contend again.

Why would Utah do this deal? According to Swartz, the Jazz "should be going full rebuild by offloading veterans on long-term deals now." And it stands to reason that neither Sexton, who turns 27 next season, or Clarkson, turning 33 this summer, will still be around when Ainge is finally finished his rebuild.

They also get two more first-round picks (Ainge's favorite treat) and a talented youngster and recent first-rounder in Nikola Jovic.