Heat could pivot to Cavs star as an offseason plan C, D, or even E

"The Heat are likely only to have their eyes on one Cavaliers player, though, and it's not Jarrett Allen or James Harden, but Donovan Mitchell. Not Allen or Mitchell because if the Heat have long-term faith in Kel'el Ware, Allen coming over would only mess up Ware's growth and development alongside Bam Adebayo. As for James, well, it simply has to be a "no," and the Heat doesn't need many reasons to back it up. So, that leaves Mitchell, who would have to be traded to the Heat if they wanted him."

"The Cavaliers actually have two stars and another big-time player who could be on their way out of Cleveland this summer should they fall to the Detroit Pistons or the New York Knicks in the postseason. Another second-round exit, or even a third-round one, could spell the end of the Cavaliers' current core. The Heat are likely only to have their eyes on one Cavaliers player, though, and it's not Jarrett Allen or James Harden, but Donovan Mitchell."

"All of these circumstances involving these players and their current teams will come to light eventually, and all are expected to be options for the Heat to pursue. But what if Antetokounmpo, Leonard, or Durant's chase comes up fruitless? What could be a backup plan to the backup plan in Miami? The Cleveland Cavaliers might offer some answers."

"The caveat is that the Cavaliers are certain to demand a haul in the return, but if Miami was already willing to do that for Antetokounmpo, why not Mitchell? The Heat could trade for Donovan Mitchell, but it would take a massive haul to catch him. The Heat have the 13th pick in the NBA Draft; they would have to be"

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s potential departure from Milwaukee and other superstar availability scenarios have Miami linked to multiple pursuits. Kawhi Leonard’s situation with the LA Clippers and Kevin Durant’s future with the Houston Rockets are also viewed as uncertain. If Miami’s top targets do not work out, Cleveland’s roster could provide an alternative. Cleveland has two stars and another major player who could be moved if the team suffers another early postseason exit. Miami’s likely focus would be Donovan Mitchell rather than Jarrett Allen or James Harden. Allen is viewed as potentially disruptive to Kel’el Ware’s development alongside Bam Adebayo, and Harden is rejected outright. Mitchell would require a trade, and Cleveland would likely demand a large return, though Miami could justify that cost if it was already willing to pursue a similar price for Antetokounmpo.

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