Donovan Mitchell could be back on the trade block this offseason, and, subsequently, the Miami Heat could finally get a second chance at a player whom they once considered to be a dream trade target.
As NBA insider Jake Fischer notes, if the Cleveland Cavaliers can't climb out of a 2-0 hole at the hands of the Detroit Pistons, the pressure will be on to see whether Mitchell signs an extension with the team this summer. If he doesn't, it could open the door for a trade - whether it's Mitchell pushing for a fresh start, or the Cavs trying to get ahead of what they could believe is inevitable.
At that point, the Heat, along with several others, would have a significant interest in a trade for the superstar guard.
Donovan Mitchell would be a dream fit next to Bam Adebayo
In theory, if Mitchell were to hit the trade block, it would make for an even more interesting offseason for the Heat. Perhaps most importantly, it would give them another option in the event that Giannis Antetokounmpo doesn't get traded or is moved to another team.
There would be many who would categorize a potential pursuit of Mitchell as a strong backup plan for the Heat this summer. However, there's a real argument to be made that Mitchell might be a better trade target for the Heat than Giannis.
From a pure basketball standpoint, the Mitchell-Bam Adebayo fit is much cleaner (and straightforward) than a Giannis-Bam one is. That's not to say that it wouldn't work or that it wouldn't be as effective, but there would certainly be much more of a learning curve.
Mitchell would address much of what the Heat currently lacks on offense, and would be a perfect fit next to Bam. Not to mention that the two have a friendship already, which would give them a head start on building chemistry.
But also from an overall franchise timeline perspective, Mitchell makes slightly more sense than Giannis. Mitchell is 29 years old, and Bam is 28. Giannis is 31. It's not a tremendous difference, but another year or two window could play a factor.
At the very least, it's certainly something that the front office will have to ponder if both do end up hitting the trade block this summer.
Heat pursued Donovan Mitchell in 2022
Before Mitchell was ultimately traded to the Cavs in 2022, the Heat pursued the superstar guard. In the end, Miami didn't have enough to meet the Jazz's asking price. However, if Mitchell is open to a fresh start or wants to play out his contract without signing an extension, it could spark a perfect storm for the Heat again.
In many ways, Mitchell has been a player who's consistently been on the Heat's radar. After missing out on Mitchell in 2022, the Heat may finally get another shot at their previous pipe dream trade target.
In such a scenario, it would truly be interesting to see what approach the Heat takes. It certainly wouldn't be considered a bad problem for the Heat to have this summer.
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