Inside The Heat

Cavaliers Superstar Opens Up About Miami Heat Trade Speculation

Ex-Miami Heat trade target Donovan Mitchell made known he intended on signing an extension with the Cleveland Cavaliers for a 'little bit'.

Anthony Pasciolla

Jan 19, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat president Pat Riley speaks during the jersey retirement ceremony for former player Udonis Haslem during halftime of the game between the Miami Heat and the Atlanta Hawks Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images
Jan 19, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat president Pat Riley speaks during the jersey retirement ceremony for former player Udonis Haslem during halftime of the game between the Miami Heat and the Atlanta Hawks Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images / Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images

The Miami Heat's star-hunting summer is at a close, with Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell ending as the most sought-after target.

The Heat appeared to closely monitor Mitchell's contract situation in Cleveland before he eventually signed a three-year, $150 million extension. The five-time All-Star admitted there was never serious consideration of landing with the Heat or elsewhere.

"For me it was just a no-brainer. I've known for a little bit that this was my decision," Mitchell said at the Cavs' media day. "It's finally good to have a media day where we're not talking about where I'm going next. You can lay your roots somewhere that you actually want to be. I think that's special."

Miami's front office was eyeing a Big Three of Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, and Mitchell. This trio had the potential to make serious noise in the improved Eastern Conference, as Butler and Mitchell are two of the best playoff risers.

"It was kind of funny watching everybody say that this is how I'm feeling, but I knew," Mitchell said. "It's refreshing. I'm glad that we're here and I'm excited to be here."

Not only did the Heat miss out on landing a superstar talent like Mitchell, but also lost a key rotation piece in Caleb Martin.

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Anthony Pasciolla works as a contributing writer to Miami Heat On SI. He can be reached at ampasciolla@gmail.com or follow him on X @AnthonyPasci.

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Anthony Pasciolla
ANTHONY PASCIOLLA

Anthony Pasciolla is a sports journalist who began covering the NBA in June 2023. A Philadelphia native, Anthony has experience covering the Philadelphia 76ers as a credentialed reporter. He has written for Miami Heat, Back In The Day Hoops, Kansas State Wildcats, and Illinois Fighting Illini on Sports Illustrated. His work also includes 76ers coverage for The Sporting News and previous stories for Athlon Sports and BasketballNews. When he’s not covering the NBA, you can find him spending time with friends and family or diving into the world of fantasy football. Follow him on X @AnthonyPasci or reach him via email at ampasciolla@gmail.com