1. Who says no?
Miami gets: Donovan Mitchell
Cleveland gets: Jimmy Butler, Nikola Jovic, 2030 first-round pick
What if the Heat called the Cavaliers and offered Butler for Donovan Mitchell? The Cavs at least have to have a meeting about it, right?
Nobody in Cleveland seems to believe Mitchell will be there long-term, and they need to find a way to close the gap between them and the clear top three in the East – the Celtics, Bucks and 76ers. Butler gets them there.
If the Cavs think Mitchell is leaving anyway, it could make sense to trade him sooner rather than later. This deal also makes the most of whatever is left of Butler’s prime. He can play off of Darius Garland and Evan Mobley, be helped by Max Strus and Sam Merrill’s spacing, and give the Cavs the oomph they need to match up in the playoffs.
In Mitchell, the Heat get their superstar of the present and future who just so happens to be a natural pick-and-roll partner with their current franchise player.