The Miami Heat offseason is truly here! You know that because the annual Donovan Mitchell trade rumors have officially hit the streets and Miami Heat fans everywhere can’t stop talking about it.
Will’s Take (@crackseason)
Just look up “Donovan Mitchell” and “Heat” anywhere, in your favorite search engine or social media feed, and you’ll see the entire fanbase going to war on why they do or don’t want him.
Occasionally, you may even see Knicks fans in the replies just trying to stay relevant. While it is funny to see the jersey swaps and arguments, it is fair to ask whether or not Mitchell would benefit this Heat team.
Yes, he’s a great scorer but his defense leaves a lot to be desired, while some see him as a “quitter” and “team cancer”. With all that though, should Miami still want him?
Yes, yes, and yes again! That’s the answer.
Crying about Mitchell’s defense when the team employs Duncan Robinson, Tyler Herro and Max Strus (who did show improvement on defense) is insanity. Do you want to know who else was labeled a “team cancer”?
That would be the Miami Heat’s best player, Jimmy Butler. Miami would not be bringing in Donovan to be the best player on a championship team.
They’re bringing him in to help Jimmy score the ball. There’s no realistic trade package yet, but who honestly cares about depth come playoff time?
Depth is only valuable in the regular season and this year’s Heat season reflects that. Countless guys stepped up but Jimmy needed more help when it mattered the most.
Max Strus had games where he didn’t record a made shot, Duncan was virtually unplayable throughout the entire playoffs, while guys like Caleb Martin and Dewayne Dedmon can only give so much as role players.
Tyler Herro would be the biggest loss, but Pat Riley has to make a decision. It’s either the Jimmy window or the Bam window.
With Herro, he only fits the Bam window. Mitchell fits both.
Miami has their answer. If an opportunity presents itself, Miami needs to take it.