Q: The Heat need to go out and trade for Donovan Mitchell now. Jimmy Butler’s injuries are coming more frequently. He has a lot of miles on his body. Get Donovan with Bam Adebayo as soon as possible. – Al.
A: First, the Cavaliers still have Donovan Mitchell under contract for the balance of this season and all of 2024-25, so it’s not as if they have to do anything immediately. Beyond that, word out of Cleveland is the Cavaliers plan to move forward the balance of the season with Donovan, so there’s also that. Further, based on your phrasing, I’m assuming you are willing to part with Tyler Herro (and here we go again on that front). The question is Tyler plus what? If you include draft picks, then the cupboard becomes bare down the line, say for a Luka Doncic or the next possible big thing on the market. And I sure as heck would not also include Jaime Jaquez Jr. But, again, a Donovan Mitchell trade is a Cavaliers decision. To change that thinking, at least at the moment, would appear to require an offer the Cavaliers can’t refuse. The Heat do not appear poised for such an offer, nor do they necessarily need to rush into such a move, or any move.
Q: Will the Heat have an All-Star? – James.
A: At this point, with the Heat mostly being an under-the-radar team, it is highly unlikely they will contend for a starting berth in the combined fan, media and player voting. Plus, with Tyler Herro having missed 18 games with his ankle injury, he effectively has been removed from consideration. Then there are Jimmy Butler’s absences and his seeming preference to spend the All-Star break in a sunnier outpost than downtown Indianapolis. So it likely will come down to Bam Adebayo. And while Bam has missed 10 games, he has been so impactful on both ends of the court, that that likely will merit strong consideration when the coaches select the reserves. So when it comes to the Feb. 18 All-Star Game, it basically looks like Bam or bust for the Heat.
Q: Can people stop talking about trading Tyler Herro? He is the All-Star wing we need. Sure, for Damian Lillard or Joel Embiid (though that should be weighed carefully), but what player that’s been mentioned has better upside, knows our system and also, by the way, wants to be here? – Cheryl, Fort Lauderdale.
A: Here’s the thing, rumors are fun, but meaningless. The only thing that matters is if the Heat are talking about trading Tyler Herro. And outside of the Damian Lillard stuff, that simply hasn’t been the case. So better outsiders out of the loop speculating than the Heat making a move they could prove to regret. Best thing to happen to the Heat might have been Joe Cronin not answering his phone. (As he sifts through Wednesday night’s Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Nikola Jovic highlights.)
