The Miami Heat could use additional star talent at every position, but signing a frontcourt partner for Bam Adebayo is more important than any other option.

The Utah Jazz are rumored to be considering a trade for star Lauri Markkanen, who averaged 23.2 points and 8.2 rebounds on 48 percent shooting last season. None of those stats explain why Adebayo and Markkanen could form the most impressive big-man duo in the league. Rather, it's his blend of size and shooting that makes up for any weaknesses in Adebayo's skill set.

At 6'1″ and 230 pounds, Markkanen made 39.9 percent of his three-point shots on an average of eight attempts last season. That percentage is almost unheard of for a player his size, rivaled only by former No. 1 pick Karl-Anthony Towns. There's no denying that Adebayo is a little undersized for the center position (6'1″), but with Markkanen in the lineup, the two could alternate depending on the opponent.

While it's a bit of a stretch for the Heat to sign Markkanen, the fact that team president Pat Riley is falling in love with him could open the necessary doors to make it happen. Miami's front office would have to part with a package of similar value to what was given up for Mikal Bridges, including Tyler Herro, a young player, and draft capital. The Heat are one of the teams expressing interest in the 27-year-old, according to ESPN's Zach Lowe.

“Trading Lauri Markkanen would give Utah a one-way ticket to the top of the tank line, and Markkanen is actually perhaps the most interesting trade piece in the league with Mikal Bridges now in New York,” Lowe wrote. “A ton of teams have shown interest in him, including the San Antonio Spurs, Sacramento Kings, Miami Heat and Warriors, sources said.”

If the Heat pull off their surprise offseason move, the Eastern Conference will add another team to the extensive list of teams capable of winning a title next season.

Anthony Pasciolla is a contributing writer for Inside the Heat. You can reach him at [email protected] or follow him on X @AnthonyPasci.

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