The Miami Heat are one team who could be active this offseason. After striking out at the trade deadline by making zero moves, the team will enter the offseason with a multitude of assets including both players and draft picks. The big name will be Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo when it comes to trade discussions and a deal certainly would not be cheap for Miami. If they whiff on Antetokounmpo, there are plenty of other names expected to be available in trade discussions.
Bleacher Report released a new article, predicting some of the biggest trade candidates this offseason. One such player is Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell, who could potentially be a fit with Miami.
"ESPN's Tim Bontemps alluded to the unlikelihood of Donovan Mitchell signing an extension this offseason if the Cavs bow out of the playoffs early, and the team's response to that potential disaster scenario was trading for James Harden, an all-time great offensive force who is also best known for postseason flameouts and trade demands," the article wrote. "What could go wrong? Mitchell is eligible for an extension this summer and can hit unrestricted free agency in 2027 if he chooses not to sign. Cleveland will have no choice but to move him if he declines to re-up. The risk of losing him for nothing in 2027 free agency would be too great."
Mitchell has been the anchor for the Cavaliers roster for last few seasons and has been fairly reliable as a scorer. Now, when you add James Harden to the mix, things could get ugly real quickly and Mitchell could ask out of Cleveland this offseason. If he were to request a trade, the Heat could be a strong destination.
A trade would presumably begin with Tyler Herro and Kel'El Ware as assets along with multiple first-round draft picks. A concern Pat Riley and the front office could have is that Mitchell may hit unrestricted free agency in 2027. With Herro making north of $30 million and both Terry Rozier and Norman Powell's hefty salaries coming off the books, the Heat would have room to extend Mitchell.
Obviously, Antetokounmpo seems to be the player on everyone's minds but Mitchell would be a really strong addition to a team that has needed backcourt help for the past couple of seasons.
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