Heat Could Make Bold Push for All-Star Forward
The Miami Heat have spent the last season or so hovering between contention and transition. They have talent, experience, and culture — but still lack the kind of star power that could take them back to the top of the East.
If they decide to make a move, Lauri Markkanen might be the swing worth taking.
The Utah Jazz forward has emerged as one of the NBA’s most complete bigs — a 7-footer who can shoot, rebound, and create offense without dominating the ball. After
The Utah Jazz are ‘very open’ to trading Lauri Markkanen, per
Utah’s Changing Timeline
According to Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated, the Jazz are now “very open for business” on Markkanen after previously declining multiple trade offers, including one from the
Utah’s direction makes sense. With a roster stacked with young talent — Walker Kessler, Keyonte George, Ace Bailey, and Taylor Hendricks among others — the 28-year-old Markkanen doesn’t fit their long-term timeline.
That said, NBA insider Jake Fischer has noted that the Jazz aren’t actively shopping him. Even so, it’s reasonable to expect Utah will continue to listen if the right offer comes along.
How Markkanen Fits With the Heat
On paper, Markkanen would be an ideal complement to Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro. He brings shooting, size, and flexibility — three things Miami has lacked in its frontcourt.
Since joining Utah, Markkanen has averaged 23.1 points and 8.1 rebounds per game while shooting nearly 40% from three. His ability to stretch the floor would give Adebayo more space inside and allow Herro to operate with less defensive pressure.
Even at EuroBasket 2025, Markkanen’s form turned heads — dropping 48 points for Team Finland in a pre-tournament tune-up. The skill is real. So is the upside.
🥶 KING OF THE NORTH 🥶
Lauri Markkanen erupts for a career-high 48 points in @EuroBasket preparation game 🇫🇮
The Cost of Doing Business for the Heat
The challenge for Miami is the price.
To get a deal done, the Jazz would almost certainly require a package built around
Some frameworks could exclude Herro and rely more heavily on draft compensation and role-player salaries. But if Utah insists on Herro as the centerpiece, the Heat may find themselves reluctant to go that far.
It’s the kind of decision that tests a front office’s conviction.
A Question of Timing
The Jazz haven’t made a move yet. But if their season stalls and Markkanen’s market grows, the Heat could be among the first teams to make a call.
Whether they have the appetite — or the assets — to make a deal that large remains to be seen.
Markkanen checks a number of boxes for Miami. The question is whether the cost of landing him would outweigh the potential reward.
Seahawks Get Bad News on 3 Key Defensive Backs for Jaguars Game
Friday brought some bleak injury news for the Seattle Seahawks ahead of their Week 6 matchup against the Jaguars. Before he fielded questions at his press conference after Friday’s practice, Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald announced that five players are unlikely to play on Sunday against the Jaguars, including three starting defensive backs.
“All right, I’ll read our injury report for everybody,” Macdonald began his press conference by saying. “[S] Julian Love, [CB Devon Witherspoon], [CB Riq] Woolen are all doubtful. [ED] Derick Hall, [OT] Josh Jones are out.”
That’s a huge blow for the Seahawks. Love, Witherspoon, and Woolen are all starters on the back end for Seattle. Witherspoon, the No. 5 overall pick in 2023, is one of the best cornerbacks in the league. He can play inside or outside, blanketing receivers one-on-one, and he’s one of the most disruptive run defenders at cornerback in the league. On the season, he has 17 tackles, a sack, and a pass defensed in just two games.
Despite lingering trade rumors, Woolen has produced through and up-and-down 2025 campaign. The former Pro Bowler has 17 tackles and a pass defensed. Meanwhile, Love has been one of the most consistent free safeties in the league since coming over from the Giants in 2023. He has 18 tackles, a sack, two passes defensed, and a blocked kick in three games.
Hall is a key rotational edge rusher for Seattle, and he has 10 tackles on the year. Jones is the Seahawks’ swing tackle and primary backup at offensive tackle.
Seattle Seahawks HC Mike Macdonald Provides Further Injury Updates
Amanda Loman/GettySEATTLE, WASHINGTON – SEPTEMBER 07: Devon Witherspoon #21 of the Seattle Seahawks reacts during the second quarter against the San Francisco 49ers during the game at Lumen Field on September 07, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Amanda Loman/Getty Images)
“[S] Nick [Emmanwori] will play in the game. I’m not sure what his designation is, but he’ll play,” Macdonald confirmed. “I think it’s fair to say that everyone’s still dealing with…everything they’ve had. It’s just something he’s got to learn to play with until it’s 100 percent. But I’d say nobody’s 100 percent right now.”
The rookie second-round pick out of South Carolina was a big-time performer at the NFL Combine, showcasing his rare blend of size and speed. He’s been dealing with a high-ankle sprain that has limited him to just two games, but in those games he has six tackles, including two run stops.
Macdonald also confirmed another key defender will suit up. “[LB] Ernest [Jones] will play as well, yep.” Jones was brought over from the Rams last season and he’s been a revelation for the Seahawks. On the season, he has 40 tackles, two interceptions, three passes defensed, and a sack.
The Seattle Seahawks are in the Thick of the NFC West Race
The Seahawks are currently tied with the Rams for second in the division at 3-2. The 49ers are leading it at 4-1, overcoming an injury-riddled start to the year. Even the Cardinals are firmly in the mix at 2-3, just two games out from the lead, losing their last three games by a combined five points.
Though their schedule isn’t easy, Seattle is firmly in the mix. Outside of the Cardinals, they face only three teams the rest of the way that currently have two or fewer wins: the Texans, Titans, and Panthers. Of those, the Texans seem to be finding their groove as a team that was picked to win the AFC South in the preseason.
The road might be tough, but these Seahawks are equipped to navigate it.
