The Miami Heat are expected to make a trade in the upcoming weeks, maybe for a big-time star player, even though that expectation currently only comes from the outside. With one significant NBA trade already completed—the thrilling Raptors-Knicks game this week—the Heat may be under pressure as the Eastern Conference as a whole keeps improving. That’s the reason why there’s still a chance that Donovan Mitchell will be traded to Miami.
According to Bleacher Report, Mitchell is the Heat’s top trade target. He can provide instant depth to the team’s thin backcourt and add a third scorer to help with offensive load carrying.
Zach Buckley of B/R speculated about the possibility as follows: “The Heat may still be looking for a top-tier shot-creator, even though they haven’t made a move since losing the Damian Lillard sweepstakes this summer. If the Cavs decide to trade for Donovan Mitchell, they might not be able to find a better young player than Miami, assuming the Heat are ready to give up all three of Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Nikola Jović.
Trade With Donovan Mitchell Would Be Expensive
Now, it’s easy to find flaws in a Donovan Mitchell trade, just like with any other Heat rumor that surfaced. To start with, the Heat have made it clear through their messaging that they are content with what they have and are not in a rush to make changes.
For another, even though the Miami Heat are subject to the luxury tax this season, they wish to minimize their future financial obligations when the new, stricter CBA regulations take effect. Under a five-year, $163 million contract, Mitchell is currently in his third year. After the 2019–20 season, he has a player option.
It is safe to assume that Pat Riley would laugh himself silly if the Cavaliers were to ask the Miami Heat to part with Herro, Jaquez, and Jovic in exchange for Mitchell. Though not significantly, Mitchell is a better player than Herro. Mitchell and Herro score 27.9 and 23.4 points respectively, but Herro is a better three-point shooter and has also—most people who don’t follow the Heat might laugh at this, but it’s true—improved defensively.
Add Jaquez on top of that? Despite being a rookie, he has already established himself as the team’s fourth-most important player. Riley probably wouldn’t approve of that.
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