NBA insider: Heat have ‘made interest clear’ in Donovan Mitchell trade

The Jazz changed course, saying they were willing to listen to trade offers on Donovan Mitchell. The Heat didn’t waste time throwing their hat in the ring.

After trading Rudy Gobert, the Utah Jazz seemed to be content to try and build a new contender around Donovan Mitchell. But earlier this week it was leaked that they were open to offers and things have “heated up” quickly.

While it sounds like the Knicks may be the frontrunner, the Heat have also reportedly let the Jazz know that they’re interested. And on paper, the Miami Heat be able to assemble the most compelling offer for Utah.

https://mobile.twitter.com/IraHeatBeat/status/1546979520606924800

What would it take for the Miami Heat to trade for Donovan Mitchell?

Any trade package for Mitchell is going to include multiple future first-round picks and the Heat can match any other team there, although they may need to spread those out a bit more since their 2025 pick is owed to the Oklahoma City Thunder and league rules prevent teams from trading their picks in back-to-back drafts.

The Heat can also include Tyler Herro, the reigning Sixth Man of the Year, who averaged 20.7 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game last season, shooting 44.7 percent from the floor and 39.9 percent from beyond the arc. The Knicks are reportedly trying to keep R.J. Barrett out of any offer but even if he’s on the table, Herro is a superior shooter and creator who has already seen a lot more high-leverage experience.

The Heat will need to include more for salary matching purposes and the Jazz could likely have their pick of Duncan Robinson, this year’s first-round pick Nikola Jovic, Max Strus and Gabe Vincent. There aren’t any future stars in there besides Herro but it’s a package that’s arguably as deep as what the Knicks can offer with a better cherry on top.