The Miami Heat will need to make changes if they hope to take a significant step forward in 2025-26, but the one area in which they must create stability is in their handling of Davion Mitchell’s restricted free agency.

Mitchell, 26, played out the final season of his rookie-scale contract during the 2024-25 campaign. Previously on pace to enter free agency with more questions than answers, Mitchell redefined his reputation after the Heat traded for him just before the deadline.

In 30 games and 15 starts with the Heat, Mitchell continued to solidify his status as one of the best on-ball defenders in the NBA—and finally found his niche on offense.

Mitchell posted averages of 10.3 points, 5.3 assists, 2.7 rebounds, 1.4 steals, and 1.4 three-point field goals made in 31.6 minutes per game with the Heat. It was a massive step forward from the defensive specialist, who had quietly begun to solidify his two-way value before Miami put the spotlight on him.

Now headed toward restricted free agency and what should be the biggest payday of his career thus far, Mitchell will likely have suitors around the NBA. His defensive quality is unquestioned, and his offensive game seems to be progressing in a more than adequate manner.

Miami needs to be honest with itself about the changes that need to be made, but re-signing Mitchell should be a top priority for the front office.

Miami Heat must re-sign Davion Mitchell in free agency

The Sacramento Kings selected Mitchell at No. 9 overall in the 2021 NBA Draft. He’d earned the reputation of a defensive menace during his illustrious collegiate career, during which time he won a National Championship and both the NABC and Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year awards.

The hope was that Mitchell would bottom out as an elite 3-and-D player after he shot a mesmerizing 44.7 percent from beyond the arc during his final season at Baylor. Unfortunately, he buried just 31.7 percent of his attempts through his first two NBA seasons.

Despite the fact that he’d only played two years in the Association, a reputation was thus formed. He was praised as an excellent defensive player, but was miscast as an individual whose value was offset by his limitations on offense, including his lackluster jump shot.

No one seemed to pay attention when Mitchell shot 36.1 percent from beyond the arc in 2023-24, nor when he buried 39.8 percent of his attempts in 2024-25.

Furthermore, Mitchell’s development as a facilitator began before his tenure in Miami. He’d averaged 6.8 assists per 36 minutes through 44 appearances with the Toronto Raptors in 2024-25 before tallying a mark of 6.1 per 36 with the Heat.

Boasting a career average of 5.4 assists per 36 minutes, it’s safe to describe Mitchell as a productive and more than capable playmaker.

Furthermore, even when his offense may falter, Mitchell remains one of the absolute best defensive players in the NBA. He’s also a positive influence in the locker room, with Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra going as far as to say that Mitchell gave Miami the passion to reach the Play-In Tournament.

The Heat reserve the right to match any offer Mitchell receives in free agency, and unless it’s a truly unreasonable deal, they must do everything they can to keep him in Miami.