Kofi Inkoom
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Miami Heat seem well-placed to leverage their assets and appeal to All-Stars from around the league to snag one in the upcoming season.
“Miami always has an advantage, especially with players whose contracts are winding down,” explained Adrian Wojnarowski before Miami’s loss to the Boston Celtics in Game 1. “If a player with one or two years left on their contract expresses a desire to be traded to the Heat, it puts pressure on their current team. Players are drawn to Miami’s organization. So, Miami could once again use their assets to land another All-Star who fits better with Bam Adebayo’s timeline and age.”
Though Wojnarowski didn’t mention any specific names, Cleveland Cavaliers’ Donovan Mitchell seems like a potential candidate.
Mitchell’s contract expires in 2025, and there’s talk he might seek a trade from the Cleveland Cavaliers this offseason due to potential hesitations about signing long-term. Mitchell has also been linked to the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets.
Last offseason, the Heat were interested in acquiring Damian Lillard from the Portland Trail Blazers, but a deal never materialized before he was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks.
Apart from Mitchell, the Atlanta Hawks’ Trae Young could also be a potential target, given the rumors surrounding the Hawks potentially trading him or Dejounte Murray in the upcoming offseason.