The Cleveland Cavaliers haven’t played particularly poorly this season, but they haven’t played particularly well either. The Cavaliers had high expectations going into the season, hoping to move up into the Eastern Conference race. That hasn’t happened thus far.
Although they haven’t performed as well as the Milwaukee Bucks, Boston Celtics, or even Philadelphia 76ers, the Cavs are still good. The Miami Heat, among many other teams, is likely closely monitoring the situation in Cleveland because of Donovan Mitchell’s predicament.
NBA insider Brian Windhorst stated on his most recent podcast episode that the Heat are anticipated to show interest in and pursue Mitchell should he manage to the trading floor in the upcoming year.
Donovan Mitchell has long been coveted by the Miami Heat.
This is not shocking, of course, given that the Heat had interest in Mitchell prior to his trade to Cleveland a few offseasons ago. Before Mitchell was traded to the Cavaliers, the other team that was on the verge of signing him from the Jazz was the New York Knicks.
Given Cleveland’s current situation, the likelihood that we will witness a bidding war for Mitchell before this year’s NBA Trade Deadline increased significantly this week following the news that Darius Garland and Evan Mobley would both be sidelined for an extended period of time due to injuries.
If Mitchell doesn’t lead the Cavaliers through the upcoming few months without many problems, Cleveland will need to make a significant choice about its future. Mitchell declined the opportunity to sign an extension with the team this past summer, so it doesn’t make this decision any easier that he can test free agency after the next season.
Ultimately, I’d be surprised if Mitchell was traded by the Cavs before the deadline. I think he will be traded eventually, but I think it will happen in the offseason rather than during the season. And the Heat will undoubtedly be in the running to sign him if that ends up happening.
It remains to be seen if they could turn down more trade offers from teams like the Knicks and Brooklyn Nets, but it is certain that Miami may be planning their next superstar pursuit. Will this be the one that works out in the end?
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