Miami Heat Could Redo Offseason Splash With Blockbuster Mock Trade
The Miami Heat, famously, refuse to ever tank or rebuild. Bless their hearts.
If Miami wants to go all-in–and you know they do–now would be the time. The Eastern Conference is weaker than ever before, and the Heat already boast two All-Stars in
However, Powell is coming off one excellent season. If he reverts to his career averages, he is a normal third option, leaving Herro and Adebayo high and dry.
In four preseason games, both his shooting and scoring have taken a dip. It’s far too early to panic, although if he doesn’t return to his near All-Star level play, Miami might have to rethink some things.
GettySALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – DECEMBER 01: Lauri Markkanen #23 of the Utah Jazz looks on during the second half against the Los Angeles Lakers at Delta Center on December 01, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
Miami Heat Could Add Lauri Markkanen
In Miami’s constant effort to remain in the playoff picture, the Heat have been linked to Lauri Markkanen. He is two seasons removed from his All-Star appearance, although he is only 28 years old. On top of that, his slight regression is thanks to the
Markkanen wouldn’t come cheap, and he’s not on a team-friendly contract, although the Jazz could capitalize on Miami’s desperation, especially if Powell takes a step back.
“Miami could talk themselves into it because they want to compete every single night,” outlined Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix. “I was watching some of the
Powell is four years older than Markkanen and isn’t expected to be a long-term piece. If Miami could manage to keep some youngsters in a deal, then the Heat could manage to quickly build a winner.
Kel’el Ware and Pelle Larsson, as well as rookie Kasparas Jakučionis, should be untouchable in possible trade talks.
Mock Trade Sends Lauri Markkanen to Miami Heat
The only way the Heat would entertain a deal is if Powell remains disappointing through the New Year. If he finds his footing, Miami is expected to stay the course.
The Jazz, clearly, will want players on expiring deals, young players, and draft picks. The Heat have the assets to get a deal done, although it won’t give the Jazz the instant gratification they might crave.
Full Mock Trade Details
- Miami Heat receive: Lauri Markkanen
- Utah Jazz receive: Norman Powell, Terry Rozier, 2029 first-round pick, 2031 first-round pick, 2032 pick swap
Both Powell and Rozier are on expiring deals, and the Heat can retain Andrew Wiggins, either for his defense or his trade value to replenish the draft pick supplies.
The Jazz walk away with more than $40 million in cap space next summer and two picks from a Heat team that should be past its prime by the time they convey. Utah
Vikings QB Carson Wentz Primed for ‘Revenge Game’ Against Eagles in Week 7
There is one specific storyline that’s going to come up whenever any NFL team faces one of its old starting quarterbacks. One part of that formula is we can usually ratchet up that attention the higher the draft pick.
While some of that luster may have been lost for a variety of reasons, when the Minnesota Vikings host the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles in Week 7, they’ll do so with Carson Wentz starting at quarterback in place of injured 2024 first round pick J.J. McCarthy.
That’s notable because Wentz, once upon a time, was the player the Eagles pinned all of their franchise hopes and dreams on.
To recap: Philadelphia drafted Wentz No. 2 overall out of North Dakota State in the 2016 NFL draft, watched him earn NFL All-Pro honors and win a Super Bowl in his second season and signed him to a 4-year, $128 million contract extension before the 2019 season.
To say Wentz doesn’t have extra motivation against the team he used to play for and the player who ultimately took his spot in quarterback and reigning Super Bowl MVP Jalen Hurts would be to simply deny the human condition.
No matter what anyone on either side might say, it matters.
There was some speculation McCarthy might return for the Vikings after missing the last 4 games due to an ankle injury until head coach Kevin O’Connell announced Wentz would make his fourth consecutive start.
“The Carson Wentz revenge game is officially on,” NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo wrote on his official X account on October 17. “Kevin O’Connell announces Wentz will start for the Vikings against the Eagles.”
‘Revenge’ Narrative Not Really What It Seems
This isn’t the first time Wentz has faced his old team. In his only other time facing the Eagles, Wentz started for the Washington Commanders in a 24-8 loss in 2022 in which he was largely ineffective, going 25-of-43 passing for 211 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions.
No matter how media types might want to spin it, sometimes a “revenge” narrative might not always be what it seems — something Eagles Pin Pull podcast host Shane Haff astutely pointed out is the case with Wentz.
“Hard to call it a revenge game when the team benched you while you were playing terribly and then acquiesced to your trade request in the offseason, trading you to the coach you wanted to play for,” Haff wrote on his official X account on October 17. “The Eagles didn’t do wrong by Carson Wentz. Every time a player plays a former team we don’t have to call it a ‘revenge’ game.”
Wentz Made NFL History in 2025
Wentz made NFL history when he started for the Vikings in Week 3 against the Cincinnati Bengals, becoming the first quarterback to start for 6 different teams in 6 consecutive seasons.
Wentz started 12 games for the Eagles in 2020, 17 games for the Indianapolis Colts in 2021, 7 games for the Commanders in 2022, 1 game for the Los Angeles Rams in 2023 and 1 game for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2024.
“If he starts for the Vikings this weekend, Carson Wentz would become the first quarterback in NFL history to start at least one game for six different teams in six consecutive seasons,” ESPN’s Bill Barnwell wrote on his official X account on September 15.
