Pat Riley gets his man. That’s been a well-known fact to NBA fans for a long time. That said, he couldn’t come through for the Miami Heat this summer.
The Heat were supposed to land Damian Lillard from the Portland Trail Blazers. It was a foregone conclusion – until it wasn’t.
The Blazers sent Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks. Does that mean that the Heat’s ability to attract stars has diminished? It’s possible.
It’s also possible that the Heat simply missed out on Lillard. Now, another star guard is potentially on the market.
Could the Heat make a move for Donovan Mitchell of the Cleveland Cavaliers?
NBA Trade Proposal: Miami Heat Land Cleveland Cavaliers’ Donovan Mitchell
Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: G Tyler Herro, F Nikola Jovic, 2027 First-Round Pick (MIA), 2029 First-Round Pick (MIA), 2030 First-Round Pick (Swap – MIA)
Miami Heat Receive: G Donovan Mitchell
By contrast, the Cavaliers have typically struggled to attract top-end talent. This is a small market team. That’s why they were especially lucky when they drafted LeBron James.
The fact that he was from the area didn’t hurt either. Surely, James would never leave his hometown team, right? Wrong. James would eventually join the Heat.
It seemed that Miami’s ability to draw stars knew no limits. Luckily for the Cavaliers, James would eventually return to his hometown.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat Updates
Ever since then, the Heat have put some strong groups together. The Cavaliers have struggled, but they have been rounding into form over the last couple of years.
Should they trade Mitchell now?
Why The Cleveland Cavaliers Do The Deal
Well, it’s heavily rumored that Mitchell isn’t happy with the small-market Cavaliers. His eyes for a bigger market have been discussed since he was on the Utah Jazz.
If the Cavaliers know there to be any truth in those rumors, they’ve got a reason to move Mitchell. This would be a solid return. For starters, they’re bringing in Herro.
He’s a suitable replacement for Mitchell. He’s not quite as dominant of a scorer, but functionally, he can fill the gap that Mitchell will be leaving. With that said, the Cavaliers are also being compensated for that talent difference.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat Updates
With two first-round picks and a swap, they’ll replenish much of the draft capital that they gave up to land Mitchell in the first place.
Should the Heat give up those assets to land him?
Why The Miami Heat Do The Deal
The Heat are one of the premiere destinations for star players. With that in mind, they’ve got less need for draft capital than other teams. The Heat have always got a chance to attract a star player in free agency.
So, they shouldn’t mind giving up these picks. After all, they’re landing one of the best offensive guards in the NBA. Mitchell is an elite shot-creator who can set up his teammates as well.
Moreover, he’d be joining the most talented team that he’s ever been a part of. Alongside Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo, he could be able to lead the Heat back to the NBA Finals.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat Updates
The only question is whether Pat Riley wants to get back there badly enough or not.
