The Miami Heat are one team potentially looking to make a big move this offseason, With another expected regular season finish as a Play-In caliber team, there could be a franchise-swinging deal made. Stars such as Giannis Antetokounmpo and Ja Morant are expected to be available in trade discussions but would cost a hefty price. Let's look at three players who are a step or two below these stars but could be massive additions for Miami.
Trey Murphy III - Forward, New Orleans Pelicans
Murphy may be one of the most interesting players potentially available this offseason. The 2021 first-round pick has blossomed into a legitimate star. He broke out last season, averaging career-highs in points, rebounds and assists as part of one of the worst teams in the Western Conference. If Andrew Wiggins surprisingly does not opt into his $30 million player option, that will leave a void at the small forward position. Murphy has proven he can score at a solid clip. The only unknown at this point is how much New Orleans values him. There have been reports claiming they want multiple first-round picks in return but who knows. Murphy is under contract through 2028-29.
Lauri Markannen - Forward, Utah Jazz
Markannen has been a hot commodity since joining the Jazz as part of the blockbuster Donovan Mitchell trade in 2022. The 28-year-old had been in the NBA for multiple seasons before becoming Utah's recent face of the franchise. Given Utah's consistent low standing in the West over the past couple of seasons, Markannen has been a common name brought up in trade rumors and discussions. While he may be a bit more on the expensive side, the Heat could use his scoring. A trade consisting of Wiggins, one of Jaquez, Larsson or Jovic and a first-round pick could potentially get a deal done. At some point, Utah will presumably be open to dealing him and that time could be this offseason.
Michael Porter Jr. - Forward, Brooklyn Nets
Porter Jr. has been one of the more quietly polarizing talents in the NBA over the past couple of seasons. He has been criticized for his troubling defense and his lack of facilitation but despite the Nets' recent woes, he has been a big bright spot. The Nuggets dealt him for Cameron Johnson last offseason and as the No. 1 option in Brooklyn, Porter Jr. has flourished. A trade for him would work best if the Heat move on from Tyler Herro in a trade and if Norman Powell leaves in free agency because Porter Jr. would instantly become the team's lead source of scoring.
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