The Miami Heat, like every other team not named the Brooklyn Nets, have turned their attention away from Kevin Durant. With Durant and the Nets, seemingly, mending their relationship, teams can now begin to move on for the moment.
For a few teams, that involves continuing to fill out their roster with role guys and other quality talent that they hesitated on while potentially postering to acquire Durant. For some others, moving on may still involve chasing a superstar player.
While there have been quite a few different names out there, besides Durant, the one that has spawned the most interest and chatter is, of course, one Donovan Mitchell.
After the Utah Jazz received a bank vault’s worth in a return for Rudy Gobert, the assumption has been that they’ll see a record-setting return for Mitchell or nearly that much, at the very least.
Miami Heat Rumors: They, Among Others, Not Interested In Donovan Mitchell?
The question has always been this though. Who will be the team sacrificing so many precious resources?
While the leader in the clubhouse to acquire Mitchell’s services has seemed like the New York Knicks for some time, there does seem to be a bit more insight there.
Well, specifically and while New York is still mentioned as a top suitor here, the more interesting tidbits are about who isn’t interested.
Among other teams mentioned, Miami is on that list.
Couple things on Donovan Mitchell. The Hawks, Heat & Kings are NOT interested contrary to reports. Knicks still have the best package to offer but other teams interested are Cleveland, Washington, Charlotte, LA Lakers & Brooklyn. And no the Jazz never asked for 7 1st round picks!
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) August 23, 2022
While the Miami Heat seemed to have the desire to be a player on the NBA Trade Market this offseason, if this report is true, it would probably be for the best. When it comes to Donovan Mitchell, it’s not about the quality of player, as much as the ratio in acquisition.
When you think about the return mentioned for Gobert earlier and especially in relation to what it will take to land Mitchell, again, it should be massive.
So what’s that mean?
Miami Heat Rumors: Due To Uncertainties, Passing On Mitchell Is Probably Best
This all means that when you consider what you’d be losing to acquire Mitchell in combination with the fact that he doesn’t certainly guarantee title-worthy improvement, again and especially considering what you will have to send out to get him, it makes things a bit more challenging to digest on that front.
There are also these things. He’s a smaller guard and he isn’t necessarily a good defender.
You also have to ask these last two questions. If Mitchell is the Miami Heat’s answer, how come he wasn’t able to lead Utah to, at least, a Conference Finals berth?
And lastly, to get the most out of Mitchell, he has to have full reign over the rock. With his ball dominance, can you get the most out of him, Bam Adebayo, and Jimmy Butler at the same time?
The prospects don’t seem promising on any of those fronts if one is being completely honest. So, while these are just rumors and reports at the moment, if they are true, it’s probably for the better in the Miami Heat’s case.