The Miami Heat will go whale hunting again this offseason, but this time with a new objective in mind.
Even after the Cleveland Cavaliers stole Game 2 in Boston in the Eastern Conference semifinals, there is still widespread assumption that Donovan Mitchell, barring a magical run to the conference finals or NBA Finals, will want a trade this summer. With only one year left on his contract and no significant progress toward a contract extension with the Cavs, it’s impossible to anticipate what will happen between Cleveland and Mitchell this summer.
However, given how Mitchell and the Cavs have performed this season, it is more possible that a bidding war via trade will occur rather than a contract extension. Again, anything might happen. However, if Mitchell demands a deal, one club may find itself in the early lead. And that is the Miami Heat.
According to a recent source, Mitchell has a solid relationship with Bam Adebayo and would rank Miami “high” on his list of potential trade destinations.
Can the Miami Heat make a compelling enough offer for Donovan Mitchell?
Once again, the Heat might enter the offseason in a strong position to sign a big fish. However, the question remains: Do the Heat have enough trade assets to make a competitive offer? Miami will enter the offseason hoping to make a significant roster upgrade, but with little draft capital and no real premier trade assets (that they would be willing to part with) aside from Jamie Jaquez Jr. and Nikola Jovic, the Heat may not have enough to complete a deal.
And, given the uncertainty surrounding Jimmy Butler’s future with the franchise, the Heat will have a lot to think about and deal with in the offseason. However, there is a very real possibility that another dissatisfied star will want to play for the Heat this offseason. They were unable to finalize contracts for Damian Lillard and Bradley Beal last summer. Can the Heat strike a deal this time around?
In theory, Mitchell, Jimmy, and Bam would emerge as Eastern Conference favorites coming into next season. However, it is possible that it will never become a reality.
