Donovan Mitchell is in the midst of a strong postseason run, however, his future with the Cleveland Cavaliers is uncertain. The five-time All-Star is expected to decline his $37.1 million player option for 2025-26. The Miami Heat are reportedly high on his list of destinations, if he does leave Cleveland.
Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report proposed a four-team trade to land Mitchell in Miami, stating:
Of all the NBA guards, Mitchell may be the closest to Heat legend and Hall-of-Famer Dwyane Wade. He will be 28 before next season (seven years younger than Butler). He has a strong relationship with Bam Adebayo and is said (by multiple NBA insiders) to have Miami high on his list of destinations. [h/t Bleacher Report]
While the deal involves Jimmy Butler being moved, his future with the Heat is also unclear. The six-time All-Star holds a $52.4 million player option for 2025-26. He is reportedly looking for a new deal to keep him in Miami long-term, however, it is unclear if the franchise is open to a max extension.
The front office has shown an interest in adding a third star to pair with Butler and Bam Adebayo. If they are unable to do so, they could move on from the former in a blockbuster move. After reaching the NBA Finals in both 2020 and 2023, the Heat were bounced in the first round of the postseason. Butler did not appear in their series with the Boston Celtics after suffering an MCL sprain in the play-in tournament.
Mitchell, who has been named an All-Star in each of the past five seasons, would represent a younger, healthier option. He averaged 26.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, 6.1 assists, 1.8 steals and 0.5 blocks per game while shooting 46.2% from the field, 36.8% from three-point range and 86.5% from the free-throw line during the regular season.
Is Donovan Mitchell’s tenure with the Cleveland Cavaliers destined to end?
Donovan Mitchell led the Cleveland Cavaliers to a first-round victory over the Orlando Magic. It marked their first time making it out of the first round since LeBron James’ final season with the team in 2017-18. He averaged 28.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 1.4 steals and 0.4 blocks per game while shooting 45.9% from the field, 25.0% from three-point range and 82.4% from the free-throw line over the seven-game series.
Despite this, his long-term future appears to be elsewhere, barring a deep postseason run. The Cavaliers are unlikely to recoup the haul they gave up to acquire Mitchell from the Utah Jazz – which includes Lauri Markkanen, Collin Sexton, Ochai Agbaji, three first-round draft picks and two pick swaps. They will, however, look to receive some value back, rather than losing their star for nothing.
If Cleveland hopes to maximize his value, a move will likely take place this summer. Their Eastern Conference Semifinals matchup against the Boston Celtics, which kicks off on Tuesday night, could decide Mitchell’s future.
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