The Miami Heat seem to be on the outside looking in as the most anticipated trade rumors of the NBA offseason have finally unraveled. Two of the biggest names in trades were Kevin Durant and Donovan Mitchell, both of whom were on the radar of the Miami Heat.
Unfortunately, Miami did not acquire either player. Kevin Durant decided to return to the Brooklyn Nets for the time being, whereas Donovan Mitchell was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
After the Rudy Gobert trade to the Timberwolves, the asking price for stars became a very steep price.
After a while, it became clear that the Miami Heat would not have enough assets to compete with other teams that could make more compelling offers—or they wouldn’t want to compete. If they didn’t have the assets, they just didn’t have them.
But while either notion could be true, you do love them showing the reservations not to overpay if that was the case. What did they have to offer though?
Miami Heat: Missing On Donovan Mitchell Hurts Less In Hindsight
The Heat have solid young players like Tyler Herro, as well as a gifted shooter like Duncan Robinson, but they lack the number of draft picks that other teams possess. It definitely stings a little bit to miss out on both of these stars, particularly Mitchell, given the fact that his news is more recent and that he felt more attainable.
It seemed like the Miami Heat devoted their entire offseason to adding a third star to the team, but they fell short of their mission. In hindsight, it might be better for the Heat to keep what they have now rather than having traded for Mitchell.
There are a few reasons for this. The first is that they do not have to give away too much to the Jazz.
They keep Tyler Herro, who has the potential to develop into a star.
They also keep all of their picks and Duncan Robinson, who is a top-five shooter in the league at his best. The second reason this might work out for the Heat is that they already know what they are working with.
The Heat are bringing back most of their team from last season. That was a team that earned the top seed in the East and was one game away from reaching the NBA Finals.
It is clear that the team works well together. It would have been nice to add Donovan Mitchell into the mix, but at least we know that the team will work as currently constructed.
Miami Heat: They Have Talent, But Will Be Ready When Donovan Mitchell’s Free
The third reason is the hope that Donovan Mitchell will be available in the future. It came as a bit of a surprise that the Cavs won the Mitchell Sweepstakes.
Cleveland was not on anyone’s radar. It is definitely possible that Mitchell enjoys playing in Cleveland.
It is also possible that when his contract expires, he will want to move to a different team. At that point, the Miami Heat should certainly be one of his preferred destinations.
That would also give the Heat a better opportunity to sign Mitchell, as they can plan to have salary room to acquire him without losing as many assets as they would have if they traded for him this offseason.
Acquiring Donovan Mitchell feels more like a pipe dream now and if that were to ever become a reality, the Heat will have to wait a few more years. Fortunately for them, Mitchell would still be near his prime.
If he ever becomes interested in playing for the Miami Heat, you can be assured that the Heat will be prepared to make an offer.