The Miami Heat weren’t able to get it done this season. That leaves them with a few more questions than answers heading into the offseason though.
Do they rebuild a team that just finished first in the Eastern Conference and made it one game shy of the NBA Finals? Or, do they opt for small teaks and run it, mostly, back?
Well, here’s your answer. They probably need to make some changes and here’s why.
While Jimmy Butler solidified himself as a bonified superstar, there was rarely any help during these playoffs. Bam Adebayo did have a few impressive games, but no one averaged over 15 points per game during the playoffs aside from Jimmy Butler, who averaged 27.4 points per game.
If you take a closer look into the Eastern Conference Finals, the only Heat players to score more than 20 points in a game were Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, and Victor Oladipo. It is pretty obvious and blatantly so, that Jimmy and Bam need help.
Miami Heat Rumors: Why They Need To Be All-In On Donovan Mitchell
Here’s where you insert a guy like Donovan Mitchell.
He’s a three-time all-star and superstar in the making. There have been rumblings that Mitchell is not happy with the direction the Jazz are heading.
Basically, with their inability to get it done over the last several years and with the impending departure of head coach Quinn Snyder, that might just be the cue for Mitchell and the Jazz to part ways.
Mitchell will bring instant scoring, athleticism, and playmaking to the lineup. At just 25 years of age, paired with Jimmy and his great friend Bam, this can be the trio that gets the Miami Heat back into the NBA Finals.
Now you’re probably wondering about something. That would be the potential cost to do business with the Jazz in this scenario—what it would cost the Heat to land him.
Let’s chat about it. It might not be easy to hear what you might have to return to Utah, but it could all be well worth it.
Miami Heat Rumors: Mitchell Could Instantly Help Them Get Back To NBA Finals
What should you be willing to give up if you’re the Miami Heat chasing a Mitchell, who, by the way, finished last season with averages of 26 points, four rebounds, and five assists per game?
To be frank and somewhat fair, it should be everyone not named Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. That’s who should be made available if Mitchell is an option.
The emergence of Max Strus as a player this year, seeing himself elevated to the starting unit late, would make this the perfect time to get top value for him. Although you love the veteran leadership that Kyle Lowry provides, his inability to stay healthy makes him a candidate to be moved as well.
The package you’d offer the Jazz is as follows.
You offer them Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson, a choice of Kyle Lowry or Max Strus, and a first-round pick. You offer them second-rounders too if that’s what it takes.
Duncan Robinson may have become expendable during these playoffs and his $18 million dollar average salary over the next four years might be hard to keep on the roster. That goes especially if he is not to be in the playoff rotation.
The addition of Mitchell can allow Jimmy to take some plays off on the offensive side of the ball while letting Mitchell orchestrate the offense, allowing him to display his playmaking and shot-making ability.
Paired with Bam Adebayo, the pick and roll combination could be combustible.
Pat Riley needs to be licking his chops at the possibility of adding a proven star to help Jimmy and Bam get the Heat back into the NBA Finals. This is why they should be all-in on Mitchell.