The Miami Heat are well aware that draft picks, and a whole bunch of them, are the best asset to have in possible trades for superstars Kevin Durant and Donovan Mitchell, and it seems they are on the hunt to acquire more to improve their chances in making a deal for either.
For the most part, the 2022 NBA offseason hasn’t been filled with shocking signings and stunning trades. Outside of Rudy Gobert being traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves, many of the top players that were up for grabs returned to the teams they played for in 2021.
However, what has earned the most headlines this summer is the possibility of top stars being shipped off in massive deals. Mitchell, Durant, and Kyrie Irving are all reportedly up for grabs, and the first two are expected to land their current teams a serious haul of draft picks.
One team that has been rumored to be in play for both is the Heat. The Eastern Conference finalists expect to be title contenders next season and either player would obvioulsy increase those chances to win a championship. However, while the Miami has most of its first-round picks in upcoming years, they don’t have the incredible amount teams like the New York Knicks — the favorite to land Mitchell — have.
Heat hunting for picks to match New York Knicks offer for Donovan Mitchell
On a Friday edition of “Please Don’t Aggregate This,” Bleacher Report NBA insider Jake Fischer revealed Miami is working hard to build up their trade capital to compete with New York for Mitchell, which could also boost their offering in a possible Durant deal.
“I have been told from multiple people that Miami is trying to go find multiple picks to either send to Utah for Donovan or send to Brooklyn for Kevin Durant. Does the Knicks waiting, and not upping their offer and meeting the Jazz’s asking price sacrifice their odds to go get him, and give Miami more time? Not really, because Miami’s trying to compete with what New York’s ultimate offer could be.”
Jake fischer on Miami Heat’s hunt for picks
While a swap between the Jazz and Knicks seems to be the likeliest scenario, a deal is far from done. “I was told directly they asked for seven [draft picks] and they’re open to negotiation,” Fischer said on his podcast about New York and Utah negotiations.
The Heat may not get Mitchell, but landing more picks is still worthwhile for a possible Durant deal this summer or something major at the trade deadline in 2023.
More must-reads: