Donovan Mitchell Trade Rumors: Heat Have Real Interest; Cavs Remain Resistant to Deal

The Cleveland Cavaliers don't appear to be interested in trading point guard Donovan Mitchell, but that reportedly hasn't stopped an Eastern Conference team desperate for a star player from setting their sights on him.

According to NBA insider Marc Stein, sources said the Miami Heat "continue to have bona fide interest in Mitchell despite Cleveland's don't-even-call-us approach and could well choose to test that resolve with Mitchell proposals after Miami's trade pursuits of Bradley Beal and Damian Lillard over the summer ended with neither player landing on South Beach."

While losing out on both Lillard and Beal was a disappointing outcome for Miami over the offseason, landing a player of Mitchell's caliber would surely boost morale. In 27 games this season, he's averaging 27.2 points, 5.7 assists and 5.3 rebounds. However, the Heat aren't alone in their pursuit of the four-time All-Star.

Stein noted that the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets "will also always continue to be mentioned as potential Mitchell suitors." Still, "multiple executives from rival front offices" have described Miami as "a prime team to watch for Mitchell fit-wise."

One exec pointed to the Heat having "the defensive infrastructure to get the most out of Mitchell" thanks to the presence of stars Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo along with head coach Erik Spoelstra, who just signed a record eight-year, $120 million contract extension.

Miami leads the Southeast Division with a 21-15 record. Butler, Adebayo and Tyler Herro all average over 20 points per game, so adding another star to the mix would push the Heat over the top as the leading contender to represent the East in the NBA Finals once again.

Miami will be back in action on Wednesday against the Oklahoma City Thunder (24-11).