The reality of Giannis Antetokounmpo departing the Milwaukee Bucks this summer is looking more and more possible every day the NBA season inches closer to an end, and the Miami Heat continue to be linked to the superstar in every which way.
Antetokounmpo isn't the only superstar who may be available over the next few months, though. Kawhi Leonard's situation with the LA Clippers doesn't have the appearance of an extended relationship, and Kevin Durant might have been a one-and-done with the Houston Rockets.Â
All of these circumstances involving these players and their current teams will come to light eventually, and all are expected to be options for the Heat to pursue. But what if Antetokounmpo, Leonard, or Durant's chase comes up fruitless? What could be a backup plan to the backup plan in Miami? The Cleveland Cavaliers might offer some answers.Â
The Miami Heat could trade for Donovan Mitchell, but it would take a massive haul to catch him
The Cavaliers actually have two stars and another big-time player who could be on their way out of Cleveland this summer should they fall to the Detroit Pistons or the New York Knicks in the postseason. Another second-round exit, or even a third-round one, could spell the end of the Cavaliers' current core.Â
The Heat are likely only to have their eyes on one Cavaliers player, though, and it's not Jarrett Allen or James Harden, but Donovan Mitchell. Not Allen or Mitchell because if the Heat have long-term faith in Kel'el Ware, Allen coming over would only mess up Ware's growth and development alongside Bam Adebayo.Â
As for James, well, it simply has to be a "no," and the Heat doesn't need many reasons to back it up. So, that leaves Mitchell, who would have to be traded to the Heat if they wanted him. The caveat is that the Cavaliers are certain to demand a haul in the return, but if Miami was already willing to do that for Antetokounmpo, why not Mitchell?
The Heat have the 13th pick in the NBA Draft; they would have to give that up, surely, plus probably another first-rounder down the road. Then there are the players the Heat would include in the trade. Tyler Herro automatically jumps off the page first, as the Heat are likely heading in the direction of trading him anyway.
Then, you would have to imagine that the Cavaliers would want any of Jaime Jaquez Jr., Pelle Larsson, Kasparas Jakucionis, or Ware (if they move on from Allen). All four players are young, have a lot of upside, and, aside from Ware, provide the Cavaliers with wing depth.
Is this a realistic option for the Heat? It's unlikely. It's more likely that they land Antetokounmpo, Leonard, or Durant (although a pursuit for Leonard might not be the best idea). That said, Mitchell would be a significant addition to the Heat. A starting five of Adebayo, Mitchell, Davion Mitchell, Norman Powell, and Andrew Wiggins is a playoff-contending group.Â
Of course, that group would only be possible if the Heat can keep both Powell and Wiggins going into next season. Nevertheless, Mitchell should be a star the Heat should consider, depending on how the remainder of the Cavaliers' playoffs go. If all other options fall through, though, he's a solid plan after A and B.
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