Opening up the Miami Heat mailbag to answer this question about Davion Mitchell.
If we’re able to resign Davion Mitchell, would it be better for him to start or come off the bench? If he starts, what point guard from whatever other team would be good to back him up? If he comes off the bench, what point guard would you want him to back up for?
Let’s start here. I do think the Heat will make re-signing Davion Mitchell a priority. They’ll extend the $8.7 million qualifying offer and then negotiate a new deal or potentially match an outside offer. Nothing is guaranteed, but there is mutual interest in Mitchell continuing his career in Miami.
The Heat were impressed with Mitchell’s hard-nosed defense and hustle, as well as his vocal leadership with the team and ability to perform in clutch moments.
If all goes well, Mitchell should return to the Heat on a long-term contract. Whether he starts or not will be based on what else the Heat do this offseason.
The Heat could add another point guard this summer.
Priority no. 1 is adding that elite scorer. It’s no secret that Miami needs to improve its offense. After ranking in the bottom 10 in offensive rating in each of the past three seasons, there’s an understanding that an influx of scoring talent is needed.
The Heat will look at every option this summer. If they acquire a top scoring point guard like Ja Morant or Trae Young (for example), that would push Mitchell to the bench. If they add an elite wing scorer, then they could see Mitchell as a complementary defender in the starting lineup.
As far as backups, potential free agents include Tyus Jones, Tre Jones, Dennis Schroder and Bruce Brown. If I’m the Heat, I’m looking for playmaking. The Heat lacked an elite passer last season, and someone like Tyus Jones would walk into the Heat’s locker room as the team’s best passer.
Could the Heat sign someone like Jones on a veteran minimum? That’s another big question considering that the Heat will be spending $26 million on Terry Rozier and potentially paying Mitchell next season. Investing more into the point guard position starts to become an issue if the Heat acquire a player making anything more than the minimum.
Speaking of, the answer here could just be Rozier. Heat fans don’t want to hear it, but the organization has to get something from him next season if he’s still on the roster. After a down season, he should at least get a chance to bounce back.
If Rozier can provide occasional scoring and playmaking off the bench behind Mitchell, that could be the ultimate answer here. Ideal? No. A possibility? Yes.