As tensions rise in Utah, the future of Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert only draws more questions. If their relationship doesn’t improve in the weeks and months to come, one (or both) of the stars could be put on the trade block.
Pat Riley and the Miami Heat will be gauging the situation, with hopes of acquiring one at some point during the 2020 offseason, according to Ira Winderman of the Sun-Sentinel.
“Yes, whenever there is a distressed asset, it is safe to assume that Pat Riley and the Heat will be sniffing around,” Winderman wrote. “Both Gobert and Mitchell will be free agents in the 2021 offseason. But the divorce could come before that.”
If you’re the Heat, landing one or both of these stars could be the key to their ascension in the East.
With Gobert, they’d have a strong defensive anchor in the middle that they could pin up against Joel Embiid and even Giannis Antetokounmpo. The 2x Defensive Player of the Year would be an immediate upgrade in the frontcourt.
Donovan Mitchell, meanwhile, has the highest ceiling and would raise the team’s offensive potential even higher. He could run the offense, find his shots, and help set up guys like Butler and Iguodala.
The Heat are always looking to improve and since they already have the building blocks of a title contender, it might only take on more move to get them at the level they want to be. We’ll see soon enough what they are able to pull off.
