Some NBA rumors won’t die. They continue to circulate. Often, that tells us that the rumors are rooted in something.
For example, the Miami Heat’s interest in Donovan Mitchell remains a rumor. By now, we’re willing to assume that it’s based on some fact. Given the smoke around this situation, there must be some fire here.
Are the Cleveland Cavaliers interested in moving Mitchell? That’s less clear. The rumors suggest they have no interest in parting with the star guard. At the same time, it’s been rumored that Mitchell would prefer to play in a bigger market.
If the Cavaliers are forced to move him, here’s how a deal that sends Mitchell to the Heat might look.
NBA Trade Proposal: Miami Heat Land Cleveland Cavaliers’ Donovan Mitchell
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
Others will suggest that we shouldn’t put too much stock in rumors. After all: they’re rumors. They’re based on speculation – not fact.
Sure. Where is the speculation coming from? We’re not saying you should believe everything you hear. That would be naive. Still, if you hear something continuously, eventually, you’ve got to ask yourself whether there might be some stock in it.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat Updates
Mitchell’s interest in joining a small market has been a rumor since he was a member of the Utah Jazz. He’s had every opportunity to publicly state that he’s not interested in playing in a bigger market. He may not be, but we’ve got to wonder where his head is on this issue.
Should the Heat say if he wants to play in Miami?
Why The Miami Heat Do The Deal
This isn’t a no-brainer for Miami. Herro is having a good season. Here, the Heat are losing him, a valuable role player, and a pair of first-round picks. The Heat would have to think long and hard about this one.
With that said, Mitchell is the best player in this trade. Jaimie Jaquez Jr. is waiting on the wings to replace Martin. The Heat would have one of the most talented trios in the NBA following this deal, with Mitchell joining Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler, and they’d also have a solid supporting cast.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat Updates
In other words, they might as well pull the trigger if this deal is available. The Heat made the Finals last season, and adding Mitchell should make them a better team.
Should the Cavaliers strengthen a Conference rival?
Why The Cleveland Cavaliers Do The Deal
Essentially, the Cavaliers do this deal if Mitchell really wants out of town. They can likely do little to convince him to stay if that’s true. The Cavaliers might as well get some value for Mitchell while they still can.
Here, they’re getting ample value. Sure, the Cavaliers could get more draft capita for Mitchell in another deal. They won’t be able to replace him with a similar, younger player like Herro. Given his inclusion in the deal, a pair of first-rounders feels fair.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat Updates
Meanwhile, Martin isn’t a throw-in – the Cavaliers should covet him. This team has been lacking wing depth for years. Cleveland should insist on receiving him if they’re sending Mitchell to Miami – unless there’s no truth in these rumors.
