The NBA off-season is in full swing right now, with many superstars signing massive long-term deals and free agents ending up with lucrative contracts as well. While contract extensions and free agencies have dominated the headlines, it has been the trades and the rumors surrounding them which have stolen the show so far.
Arguably the biggest headline in the NBA world right now is that of Kevin Durant demanding a trade from the Nets. While KD understandably has been the fulcrum of major discussions, another franchise out in the West might be in a similar position to that of the Brooklyn Nets, the Utah Jazz.
The Jazz have been one of the most consistent teams in the regular season for the last 3 years. Led by the duo of Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell, the Jazz are a scary team to face off against. But they have had massive disappointments in the playoffs. With the duo’s relationship at a breaking point, the Jazz might trade one of their superstars, if not both of them, this off-season.
Their superstar shooting guard Donovan Mitchell is apparently available in the trade market. Seen as one of the marquee names in the market, many expect that the Knicks will be dead set to splash the cash on ‘Spida’.
The Miami Heat are a more likely landing spot for Donovan Mitchell and have furnished a trade offer to the Utah Jazz, Per @Krisplashed
“Fat Joe told me he is close to Mitchell and that Mitchell’s dream is playing for Miami, not his hometown Knicks.” pic.twitter.com/IHhZ9M87YO
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 30, 2022
While moving to their hometown team might be enticing to many, it seems like Mitchell is an exception. According to New York Daily News journalist Kristian Winfield, the Miami Heat are hot favorites to land Mitchell in the off-season. Winfield has revealed that it was the 25-year-old’s dream to play for Miami rather than the Knicks.
Donovan Mitchell will certainly be an interesting fit in the Heat system. While the team does have players like Jimmy Butler and Kyle Lowry, they need a go-to scorer in their ranks. Although Tyler Herro did have a solid campaign last season, a player like Mitchell, who has proven himself in the playoffs, will be a much needed upgrade.
With Kevin Durant also available in the market, it will be interesting to see which player Miami targets this off-season.
