2. Donovan Mitchell
The Mitchell trade rumors are just starting to heat back up. He did not sign an extension in the offseason and can become a free agent in the summer of 2025. The Cavaliers have no plans of letting him get there. The pressure will be applied following this season. If Mitchell declines an extension, Cleveland will shop him with one year left on his deal.
Spider checks a ton of boxes for the Heat. He has been an All-Star four straight years and was second-team All-NBA last season. The 6’3 guard is one of the best scorers and shot creators in the world. The 27-year-old has already scored 30-plus points in 20 NBA playoff games.
He will shine when the lights are brightest and is comfortable playing on or off the ball. The Heat showed interest when Mitchell was traded from Utah to Cleveland, but they did not have the assets to make the trade. They could this time around, especially if Jimmy Buckets can convince the four-time All-Star that he wants to continue his career in South Beach.
Donovan Mitchell is one of the marquee names teams are watching, but the biggest of them all already has a close relationship and has played with Butler.