Any day now, the Cleveland Cavaliers could find themselves at a turning point.
As the Cavs trail in the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs, they are just two losses away from looking long and hard at their core group.
Since the previous offseason, the future of Donovan Mitchell in Cleveland has been in question. There hasn’t been a ton of steam behind a possible Mitchell-Cleveland breakup, but another second-round exit in the playoffs would have the phone lines flooding.
Teams are going to want to inquire about Mitchell–and the Miami Heat might be one of them.
What Could The Heat Bring To The Table?
GettyCLEVELAND, OHIO – DECEMBER 31: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts during the first quarter against the Phoenix Suns at Rocket Arena on December 31, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
The Miami Heat have been searching for a new star since before they cut ties with Jimmy Butler. Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey put together a hypothetical package, which presents a possible pathway to South Beach for Mitchell.
In the mock trade idea, the Heat would receive Mitchell. The Cavaliers would collect Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis, and two first-round picks.
One of the picks would be a 2032 first-rounder. The other would be this year’s No. 13 pick.
“This particular framework would give the Cavs more depth on the wings, give them an intriguing prospect in the backcourt and give them a couple bites at the draft apple,” Bailey wrote. “And while Miami’s rotation would obviously be a little tighter, the team is long overdue for getting back into the superstar business.”
Good Idea For The Cavs?
GettyCLEVELAND, OHIO – APRIL 20: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrates during the third quarter of Game Two of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the Toronto Raptors at Rocket Arena on April 20, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Raptors 115-105. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
It all depends on round two. If the Cavaliers come back from 2-0 to defeat the Pistons and advance to the Eastern Conference Finals, that alone would be progress. You don’t hit the reset button when you finally make a breakthrough.
But if the Pistons win the series–especially at a 4-1 score–then it’s time to panic in Cleveland.
Mitchell is developing a reputation for being a great regular-season player (seven All-Star nods), who can’t push his team past the second round. Dating back to his first playoff run with the Utah Jazz in 2018, Mitchell hasn’t touched a Conference Finals.
Money-wise, Mitchell will see his salary reach the $50 million mark next year. He has a $53.8 million player option waiting for him in 2027. That’s a lot of money tied into one player. A pack of role players doesn’t always outweigh the lone star, but it’s worth making the change if the results aren’t any different.