The Miami Heat made a cost-cutting move to acquire Davion Mitchell before the deadline that turned into a slam dunk. The ninth overall pick in the 2021 draft had never quite realized his potential, but Erik Spoelstra and the Heat quickly brought it out. Mitchell showed a new level of playmaking and defense, including averaging over 15 points and six assists per game in the playoffs. Consider it a steal for a second-round pick and an unwanted contract.

Mitchell played just 24.5 minutes per game for the Raptors, but the Heat had minutes and shots available after the Jimmy Butler trade. The 26-year-old took advantage of the opportunity. He found his jumper and was making an impact on both ends of the floor. The 6’2 guard helped Miami escape the Play-In Tournament and did everything he could in the first round of the playoffs. The Heat were no match for Cleveland, but that wasn’t on Mitchell.

He played so well that the franchise faces a difficult offseason decision. Mitchell is extension-eligible and earned himself a nice payday. The Heat want to keep him but are trying to keep their spending down in this apron era. Can the two sides find a middle ground?

Heat fleeced the Raptors in the Davion Mitchell even if he walks

There was no questioning his potential. Mitchell was drafted in the top ten for several reasons. He can make plays, get buckets, and defend. The 6’2 guard is a bit undersized, but his strength and effort make up for it. Heat fans got to see the best of him in a limited sample.

There are questions about his play moving forward. Mitchell is a career 34.4 percent 3-point shooter but made 44.7 percent over 94 attempts after arriving in Miami. Did he break out or was that just a flash in the pan? Only time will tell, but Mitchell clearly fits with the Heat, and coach Spo brought the best out of him.

The 26-year-old is entering his prime and just made himself a lot of money. His best basketball is still ahead, and Mitchell should only improve with more time in the Heat’s system. Miami needs upgrades to be a serious contender, but bringing back Mitchell is a must.

The Raptors bought low on a lottery pick after Sacramento moved on. Mitchell may have been out of the NBA if not for his stellar play in South Beach. It was Miami finding an undervalued talent and maximizing it. The Heat are notorious for that.

The Miami Heat are facing a crucial offseason. Jimmy Butler is gone. Can the Heat find a new superstar to lead their roster? If not, how does Pat Riley keep them in contention? There are more questions than answers right now, but keeping Davion Mitchell is not one of them. Credit to the Heat for finding another key piece in an unlikely place.