The Miami Heat are in the thick of things when it comes to acquiring a new star. Said to be putting the heavy work down on the Brooklyn Nets at the moment for the services of Kevin Durant, the Heat are swinging for the fences.
However, there is a chance that they don’t land him. But that’s not their only option it seems.
With a connection to the Utah Jazz’s Donovan Mitchell as well, he would likely be their core target on the trade market if they can’t strike a deal for Durant. Do they have enough to chase either though?
That’s the real question. Well, here is what Eric Walden of The Salt Lake Tribune had to say about the topic on SiriusXM’s “Schein On Sports”.
Here is what he said on what he’s hearing about their hopeful return in a potential deal.
"They are looking for a return comparable to the Paul George deal from a few years ago when the Clippers acquired him from Oklahoma City. Obviously, that’s quite a haul.I don’t know if they quite get there, but that, apparently, is the starting point in terms of what they are asking for in negotiations."
The Miami Heat are all aboard the Kevin Durant train right now, but if it derails, Donovan Mitchell is likely their next chase. Do they have enough though?
Well, here were the terms of the deal that netted the Clippers PG-13.
Yes, you read it right. The Thunder got back a massive haul for George.
To Walden’s point, without a team with the pressure of having to do the deal or losing out on Kawhi Leonard to the Los Angeles Lakers as the Clippers were, it’s not likely they find someone willing to give them this much for Mitchell.
However, there is a team that might get close and Walden also noted that it would be “hard to argue” against them being one of the favorites to land Mitchell when and if he’s traded. Noting Mitchell’s New York roots, the Knicks’ desperation, and the resulting package that New York could assemble—it’s not a bad assumption.
However, there is one thing for certain. If Pat Riley and the crew want to get in on the proceedings, don’t think they won’t do whatever is necessary to get a word in before he’s dealt.
Now, this is only after they strike out on Kevin Durant. But hopefully, they don’t and none of this even matters for the Miami Heat.