Following their unlikely run to the NBA Finals last season, the Miami Heat tried to add a star to their core. They ultimately failed to do so, but League insider Adrian Wojnarowski believes that they have a good chance to do so this summer.
Adrian Wojnarowski says that the Miami Heat are well-positioned to potentially acquire a star who aligns with Bam Adebayo's age timeline
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) April 19, 2024
(h/t @ohnohedidnt24 )
pic.twitter.com/xrJGy6HYF6
With star Jimmy Butler eligible for an extension and 34 1/2 years old, the Heat will have to consider all their options as they try to build a sustainable winner going forward. They could potentially do so by pursuing either Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young or Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell.
Both players are expected to be available, and after failing to land Damian Lillard last summer, they may have just enough to sway the Cavs or Hawks. Mitchell, in particular, could be an especially good trade target.
Can the Miami Heat land a star this summer?
The Cavs may be forced to move Mitchell this summer to ensure that they are able to recoup the assets they gave up acquire him. However, with one year left on his contract, he essentially has veto rights on a possible deal with any trade at risk of being quashed with word of him being unwilling to re-sign.
Miami would be a great destination for Mitchell since he has yet to play in a big market after having spent the first seven seasons of his career playing with the Utah Jazz and in Cleveland. They also have Bam Adebayo, who is roughly the same age, which matches up with Woj's reporting, implying that he was referring to Mitchell.
Adding Mitchell to the core of Adebayo and Butler would allow the Heat to slowly transition away from Butler without having to rebuild, instead retooling on the fly. After a turbulent season, capped by Butler's untimely injury, this could be the perfect way for Miami to stay relevant for seasons to come.