The Miami Heat are playing very well thus far in the 2022 NBA Postseason. After defeating the Atlanta Hawks in five games in their first-round series, they had opened up a 2-0 lead on the Philadelphia 76ers in the Eastern Conference semifinals, but now head back to Miami tied 2-2.
If the Heat come up short in this year’s playoffs, is there a legitimate chance they look to make a major shakeup of their roster? There have been rumors that Miami could look to swing a big trade this offseason. A shrewd move at the trade deadline opened up a first-round pick for the team to use in a trade, which gave the inclination that Riley has something up his sleeve.
Duncan Robinson has fallen out of the rotation in the postseason and could be the centerpiece of a deal to help match salary. Tyler Herro, however, would likely be the sweetener in a deal. Despite winning the Sixth Man of the Year award this season, there are still some people who believe that the team would trade Herro if it meant bringing in another All-Star player.
Could that player be Donovan Mitchell of the Utah Jazz? There are going to be a lot of rumors swirling around Utah given how this season ended up. Another early exit from the postseason will stoke the flames of NBA trade rumors. Utah was defeated in their first-round series in six games by the Dallas Mavericks despite Dallas being without Luka Doncic for the first three games.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Why MIami Heat Are Ideal Trade Destination For Utah Jazz Star Donovan Mitchell
The Miami Heat are one of the teams that have been linked to Mitchell as a preferred landing spot for him, along with the New York Knicks. They could certainly pursue a trade for him using Herro as the centerpiece of a deal, but is it something that they should do?
Since Herro is still on his rookie contract, the Heat will have to add more pieces to the mix. Robinson would assuredly be included in the deal, and just under $2 million more in salary would need to be part of the deal to work under the league’s salary cap rules.
Given how well he performed this season, it is fair to ask how much more of an impact would Donovan Mitchell have for the Heat than what Herro is providing? Does parting ways with him, Robinson and draft capital truly make the Heat a better team?
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Why MIami Heat Are Ideal Trade Destination For Utah Jazz Star Donovan Mitchell
It is something they will have to think about once the season comes to an end. Mitchell is a three-time All-Star and is only 25 himself. He has shown he can perform under the brightest lights, averaging 28.3 points per game in his postseason career to go along with 4.9 rebounds and 4.7 assists.
If Miami believes they have seen the best of Herro and do not want to pay him the kind of money he will likely ask for this offseason, as he is extension eligible, this is a trade route they can explore. Donovan Mitchell is locked into his contract through 2024, with the 2024-25 season being a player option.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Why MIami Heat Are Ideal Trade Destination For Utah Jazz Star Donovan Mitchell
If the Miami Heat is going to pull off a blockbuster trade this offseason, Herro will almost assuredly be a part of it. However, there are more pressing needs on the roster. They should do their best to hold onto Herro, as he is an integral part of the team. Upgrading another area of the roster, such as the frontcourt, by shopping Robinson and a first-round pick before considering a deal to move on from Herro.
