As one of the summer’s top trade targets, Donovan Mitchell is clearly a very appealing asset to teams around the league. He has solidified himself as a true All-Star and one of the game’s top scorers in just five years.
Still, not everybody agrees about how much he’s actually worth. For Heat insider and beat writer Ira Winderman, Mitchell’s lack of personal accolades separates him from a guy like Victor Oladipo, who has proven more in his injury-riddled career than Mitchell has.
Here’s what he had to say:
(via South Florida Sun Sentinel)
For all the consternation of the Heat losing P.J. Tucker and not adding a free agent, if Vic gets anywhere close to where he previously has been, then it could be quite the net gain. Put it this way when comparing resumes: Donovan Mitchell is a three-time All-Star, but never All-NBA and has not won an individual NBA award; Victor Oladipo is a two-time All-Star, has made All-NBA and All-Defensive teams, and was Most Improved Player in 2018. Yes, Mitchell is younger and is not coming back from knee issues like Vic. But there is something there with Oladipo that potentially still could move the needle.
What’s the point here? For the Heat, keeping Oladipo might be a smarter move than giving up a horde of assets for Donovan Mitchell. It’s a take that many would call controversial, especially given the level of potential in Donovan’s game.
But it does make sense. In his career so far, Mitch hasn’t done much aside from making a few All-Star teams. And in the aftermath of a playoff run that saw Oladipo have some big moments, it’s hard not to question if a trade with the Jazz is worth it for Pat Riley’s crew.
Either way, the statement is an indicator of the market for Mitchell, which may not be as high as originally believed.
