When assessing the NBA, sometimes, you’ve got to read between the lines. Say Team X has made Player X available. Meanwhile, it’s rumored that Player Y wouldn’t sign an extension with Team Y. Perhaps there’s a trade to be made outside of the expected framework.
For example, the Miami Heat are in hot pursuit (pun intended) of Damian Lillard. We can assume that they’re interested in trading for a star guard. It also seems likely that they’d be willing to trade Tyler Herro to get one.
Meanwhile, it’s been suggested that Donovan Mitchell might not extend with the Cleveland Cavaliers. He’s only been on the team for a year, and somehow, he’s already in trade rumors. Let’s read between the lines here.
The Trade Proposal
Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: G Tyler Herro, G/F Caleb Martin, 2027 First-Round Pick (MIA), 2029 First-Round Pick (MIA)
Miami Heat Receive: G Donovan Mitchell
This feels surreal. It wasn’t long ago that we were writing Mitchell trade proposals. At that time, he was on the Utah Jazz. The Jazz had been regular-season darlings for several years, but Mitchell and Rudy Gobert could never put it together in the playoffs.
Meanwhile, it was widely rumored that Mitchell had eyes for a bigger market. So, he was frequently involved in trade rumors – until he wasn’t. The Cavaliers surrendered a blockbuster package to bring him to Cleveland.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers & Miami Heat Updates
On a related note: Cleveland is not exactly a bigger market. This is probably not the team Mitchell pictured himself in. The Cavaliers may have created a problem for themselves. Does this deal dig them out of it?
Why The Cleveland Cavaliers Do The Deal
We think so. This deal should tick a lot of boxes for the Cavaliers. For starters, they’re landing an immediate replacement for Mitchell. Herro is not as impactful of a player, but that’s exactly why the Cavaliers are getting more stuff here.
Caleb Martin is a critical acquisition for them. The Cavaliers have needed a wing for a full season. Acquiring Max Stress this summer was smart, but Martin is a better defensive player who will fill out their roster.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers & Miami Heat Updates
In the meantime, they’re also getting a pair of unprotected first-round picks. That makes up some of the draft capital that they sent out to acquire Mitchell. Should the Heat give those picks up?
Why The Miami Heat Do The Deal
The Cavaliers had a somewhat disappointing conclusion to their 2022-23 season. By contrast, the Heat had an outstanding one. This team made an unexpected run to the NBA Finals. Impressively, they did it without Tyler Herro. Perhaps that’s why they seem willing to move him this summer.
Mitchell is a significant upgrade. He’s a more consistent shot creator, and a better playmaker as well. He’d join Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo to form one of the most talented trios in the NBA.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers & Miami Heat Updates
Is Mitchell Lillard? No. With that said, he is younger. This deal helps the Heat improve now while preparing for them for the future. It’s a good deal – once you read between the lines.
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