The Miami Heat wanted Damian Lillard. How badly did they want him? That’s been the question around NBA circles. At times, it didn’t feel like the Heat were willing to give up the assets that it would have cost to land the star guard.
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Who could blame them? The Milwaukee Bucks paid a hefty price for Lillard. The Heat are already low on assets. Sure, this team would have liked Lillard – but they have to think about their future. Either way, it’s a moot point now. Lillard is a Buck.
The Heat could still use a point guard. They don’t necessarily need a superstar. If they could just find a guard who defends well and spaces the floor, that could suffice. If that player was young, it would bode even better for their future.
How about Davion Mitchell of the Sacramento Kings?
Miami Heat Receive: G Davion Mitchell
Perhaps we shouldn’t question the Heat’s judgment. This team has sustained its success for a long time. The Heat got into the NBA’s title picture in the early 2000s, and they’ve hardly left. What’s their secret?
In all likelihood, a combination of factors keeps the Heat successful. For starters, they’re located in Miami – that doesn’t hurt. This is a marquee destination for star players.
Moreover, Miami is known for its culture of work ethic. They’re well coached, and they’re well managed. This is a first-class organization. That hasn’t been the case for the Kings.
With that said, they finally broke a 16-year playoff drought last season. That was the longest streak in NBA history. In 2023-24, the Kings will be hoping to make an actual playoff run.
Does this deal help them do that?
Why The Sacramento Kings Do This Deal
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If the Kings are making this deal, they’d likely want to make another deal. Moving Mitchell leaves them without a backup point guard. Yet, that feels like a secondary concern.
The Kings could make another trade, air pick up a veteran on the buyout market. For Sacramento, this is about bolstering their depth. They’re landing two rotation players at the price of one.
Richardson is a versatile player who can man the 1, 2, or 3 for Sacramento. He can do a bit of everything: Richardson can shoot, defend, and pass.
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Bryant is a useful player in his own right. In fact, he’s the type of stretch big man that the Kings don’t currently roster. He’d be valuable as Domantas Sabonis’ backup, but given his ability to shoot, the pair could share the floor for stretches as well.
Should the Heat give up two valuable players for Mitchell?
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The Heat’s culture is revered. Mitchell would be a good fit for it. Miami has always valued defensive players. Mitchell is an outstanding point-of-attack defender. This feels like a marriage that makes sense.
To reiterate: Miami doesn’t need a star at this position. Sure, they’d likely prefer one – but they’ll have to give a lot more than Richardson and Bryant up to get one. With Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo on the roster, Miami has enough playmaking. Tyler Herro gives them some shot creation.
All Miami needs out of the point guard spot is floor spacing and defense. Mitchell provides enough of the former and an excess of the latter.
Will they miss their outgoing players? Sure. With that said, unless they intend on starting Richardson at the 1, they’ve got more pressing priorities. The Heat need a point guard. If you ask us, Davion Mitchell will do.
