Everyone thinks the Miami Heat's No. 1 trade target heading into the offseason is Giannis Antetokounmpo. However, pivoting that target to Donovan Mitchell could not only make more sense for the Heat's future, but it would also make Bam Adebayo especially happy.
Mitchell and Bam reportedly share a close bond and, especially in today's NBA culture, presumably have talked about playing together. It just hasn't happened. But that could change if Mitchell says he's ready for a fresh start, or refuses to sign a long-term extension in Cleveland.
If that were to happen, you can almost be assured that Miami would have interest, and that it would be reciprocated by Mitchell himself. The question is, if such a pursuit for Mitchell evolved, would things end any differently for the Heat this time around?
Heat are better positioned to pursue Donovan Mitchell this time around
The Heat may not have had the necessary assets to trade for Mitchell when he was first dealt from the Utah Jazz to the Cleveland Cavaliers back in 2022. But things are certainly different this time around.
Miami could have 3-4 first-round picks to include in a trade for any star player this offseason, and have a few intriguing young and veteran assets on its roster. With a little pressure from Mitchell, who could be entering the final year of his contract (assuming he doesn't sign an extension), the Heat could finally land their dream trade target this time around.
From a basketball perspective, there's a strong argument to be made that the Heat might be better off pursuing Mitchell than Giannis.
Donovan Mitchell may be a better fit for the Heat than Giannis Antetokounmpo
It's not just the fact that Mitchell is two years younger than Giannis and that he'd fit the team's timeline, along with Bam's, a lot better. But it's also the pure schematic reasoning that Mitchell is a great fit next to Bam.
They'd help create one of the best-fitting 1-2 punches in the Eastern Conference. It's hard to imagine that a simple acquisition of Mitchell would vault the Heat to the top of the East's hierarchy, but it'd certainly be a great starting place for Miami.
Plus, you'd also imagine that the Heat may be able to keep more of their rotation pieces in place if they made a move for Mitchell over Giannis. It's not a certainty, but that opportunity certainly could present itself.
With all this in mind, it's not that outlandish to suggest that pursuing Mitchell may be a better gamble than going all-in for Giannis. And as the Cavs stare down another possible second-round exit, it's certainly a scenario that could suddenly fall on the Heat's lap.
If it did, and if the Heat pursued it, it'd also certainly make Bam very happy.
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