A Cleveland Cavaliers collapse could spark a blockbuster trade for Donovan Mitchell. Discover why a Game 7 loss might finally land Pat Riley a long-awaited superstar in South Florida.
Miami, FL. – On Sunday night, the NBA Playoffs will feature a pivotal Game 7 between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Detroit Pistons, with a ticket at stake to face the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals. Every possession matters and little mistakes could open massive wounds. There is arguably more pressure on the Cavaliers to win, given the roster’s veteran presence, especially with All-Stars Donovan Mitchell and James Harden.
Neither of them has won an NBA Championship, but that could change if they can get the Pistons. If the Cavaliers fall short, it could force a split between the franchise and Mitchell heading into the offseason.
The two-time All-NBA would have several suitors in the open market, including the Miami Heat, who have expressed interest in the past. Mitchell will be virtually under an expiring contract for next year, owed roughly $50.11 million, with a $53.82 million player option for the 2027-28 season. If available, a move down to South Florida is more than possible through a trade.
The proposal:
- Cavaliers receive: Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., the No. 13 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, and a 2030 first-round pick (via MIA)
- Heat receive: Donovan Mitchell
The Cavaliers would add a promising young center next to All-Star forward Evan Mobley in Ware, plus a spark plug in Jaime Jaquez Jr., who was named a finalist for the Sixth Man of the Year award. Also, the organization would bring in a former All-Star guard in Herro.
Mitchell would provide the scoring punch the Heat have needed for some time, especially alongside two-time All-Star center Bam Adebayo. He’s coming off another All-NBA caliber regular season: 27.9 points on 48.3 percent shooting, 36.4 percent from three-point range, 4.5 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 1.5 steals, appearing in 70 games, all starts.
The Heat have lacked star power, even during six-time All-Star Jimmy Butler’s tenure. Despite building a roster that overachieved in big moments, it was never enough to claim the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
Franchise President Pat Riley will be hunting for another “whale” this offseason, potentially adding Mitchell as a target. During the 81-year-old’s end-of-season press conference, he mentioned that the number of games played will be a factor in deciding which moves to make. Mitchell has never played in fewer than 50 games throughout a nine-year career in the league.
Given the talent and fit, the former lottery pick could wind up in South Florida if Sunday’s Game 7 doesn’t go according to plan.
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