The Miami Heat are interested in Donovan Mitchell. The Cleveland Cavaliers star has one more season left on his contract, worth $163 million, and an option for the 2025-26 season. At the moment, there is no indication that Mitchell will stay in Cleveland beyond the end of his current contract.
The lack of clarity on Mitchell’s desire to stay in Cleveland fuels speculation that he could be traded before his contract expires. Marc Stein wrote in his SteinLine newsletter that the Miami Heat are ready to test the Cavaliers’ resolve before the February 8 trade deadline.
“There is still pessimism about Cleveland’s chances of signing him (Mitchell) to a long-term contract extension,” Stein reported. “…League sources say the Miami Heat continue to have good-faith interest in Mitchell despite Cleveland’s approach not to call him up, and they could decide to test that resolve with Mitchell’s proposals after Miami’s summer search for Bradley Beal and Damian Lillard ended with neither player landing in South Beach.”
Mitchell is one of the best shooters in the NBA, so he’s a hot commodity in the league. His style of play and “never quit” attitude is a perfect match for the Heat and their style of play.
His presence on Miami’s roster would give Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo additional space, allowing their two-man game to flourish. Most importantly, Mitchell would bring back the fear factor that hasn’t been present in South Beach since Dwyane Wade’s retirement.
The four-time All-Star has played at a high level this season. In 27 games, he averaged 27.2 points, 5.3 rebounds and 5.7 assists, shooting 45.5% from the field and 35% from three-point range. Still, the Heat will probably have to remain patient. Unless Mitchell directly requests a trade, it is unlikely that the Cavaliers will part with their star player in the middle of the season.
Therefore, it would be wise for the Heat to hold on to their tradable assets until the summer. Then they will be able to make more of an effort for Mitchell, who could be entering the final year of his contract. Sooner or later, Cleveland’s position will have to soften. For now, they hold all the cards. That means Mitchell will probably spend the rest of the season in Ohio.