In the aftermath of the franchise striking out on a Kevin Durant trade, the Miami Heat decided to bring back a player that can become an integral piece of a competitive core.
The Heat's 26-year-old guard Davion Mitchell proved to be a positive addition after he was shipped over from the Toronto Raptors via trade this past season, and it looks as though he'll be sticking around.
With Mitchell reportedly set on inking a new contract with the organization as a restricted free agent, this news should excite not only the 6-foot-2 stopper, but the Heat's All-Star scorer Tyler Herro.
New updates from ESPN's Shams Charania indicate that Mitchell will remain a member of the Heat, and he could plausibly allow Herro to reach a new level through his defensive grit.
Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (14), guard Davion Mitchell (45), forward Andrew Wiggins (22) and center Bam Adebayo (13) high five after a play against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter...
Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
"Restricted free agent Davion Mitchell intends to sign a two-year, $24 million deal to return to the Miami Heat, sources told ESPN," Charania shared Saturday afternoon.
"Heat officials and Mitchell's agent, Josh Beauregard-Bell of Wasserman, negotiated the new fully guaranteed contract."
After making his way to Miami, the skilled defensive guard proved his worth to a Heat team looking to contend as soon as possible.
"Nicknamed 'Off-Night' for his prodigious defense against opposing stars, Mitchell ranked in the top five in field goal percentage allowed as the contesting defender this season among players to contest 500-plus shots per GeniusIQ."
Mitchell had an incredibly productive first 30 appearances as a member of the Heat, as he averaged 10.3 points, 5.3 assists and 1.4 steals while knocking down 44.7% of his attempts from three-point range.
While his first stint with the team was great, his true value might become visible as Herro's full-time partner in the backcourt.
Herro ascended to new heights in 2024-25, contributing 23.9 points and 5.5 assists in 77 contests, earning an All-Star nod.
By prospectively pairing the slower-footed star with a supremely skilled on-ball defender like Mitchell, Herro could find new opportunities to conserve energy.
The Heat will be sorely dependent on Herro's scoring prowess and his development as a play-maker, and Mitchell's presence as his defensive bodyguard of sorts for a full season might lead to the club becoming one of the NBA's more feared offensive units in 2025-26.
