Breaking News: Miami Heat Make Last-Minute Move Before Trade Deadline

Bryan Townes | Feb 6, 2025

Jan 31, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard Davion Mitchell (45) controls the ball as Chicago Bulls forward Dalen Terry (25) tries to defend during the second quarter at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images / Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images

The PJ Tucker and Miami Heat reunion lasted less than 14 hours as he was traded for Davion Mitchell of the Toronto Raptors.

The Heat traded Tucker, a second-round pick, and cash considerations for Mitchell, dropping the Heat below the first apron. 

Mitchell averaged 6.3 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 4.6 assists on 43.4 percent shooting and 35.9 percent from three-point range with the Raptors.

His playstyle is similar to Dru Smith, who had a breakout season for the Heat before tearing his achilles earlier in the year. Without Smith, the Heat lost a major defensive piece to their team and one of their only point-of-attack defenders. 

The Heat’s defense has been inconsistent since Smith went down, and Mitchell and Andrew Wiggins are great additions under Erik Spoelstra’s system. He has led the Heat to being ranked top 10 in defense in seven of his last eight seasons.

Mitchell is a restricted free agent and can be a long-term piece after this season if they choose to resign the fourth-year guard.

MIAMI HEAT BROADCASTERS SHARE FINAL THOUGHTS ON JIMMY BUTLER’S HISTORIC TENURE

After Jimmy Butler once said he would like to retire with the Miami Heat, his tenure with the team ended as he was traded to the Golden State Warriors Wednesday.

The news broke during the Heat’s game against the Philadelphia 76ers, so many couldn’t share their final thoughts during the game. John Crotty and Eric Reid spoke afterward to give their opinions on Butler’s historic run with the franchise. 

Reid began first sharing his view of the situation and how, despite the success, it was unfortunate how things ended between Butler and the Heat.

“The Jimmy Butler journey has ended with Miami,” Reid said. “Butler has been traded to the Golden State Warriors. The details will get flushed out overnight, and we’ll find out who is staying and who is going. But we know Jimmy Butler’s time in Miami has ended. I just want to say this about Butler. History and time will pass on. He will go down as one of the great players in franchise history, but it was a difficult, sad, and sort of ugly ending. But it’s over now, and that clarity is good for everybody.”

Crotty finished their farewell sentiments by comparing his experience as a former player being traded and how both the Heat and Butler can move on with their futures.

“I think the clarity is important,” Crotty explained. “As a former player, the perspective is you feel like okay. Now, we can move forward. He’s not coming back. There’s the ability now to understand these are the players that we have, and the coaching staff is going to embrace us. There’s a youthful feel with guys like Kel’el Ware coming into the mix. You see a reinvigoration in Bam Adebayo, who’s moved to the four spot. And he’s playing his best basketball now with Kel’el. And I think it’s exciting for what can potentially transpire.”

HEAT VS. SIXERS TAKEAWAYS: MIAMI HEAT’S YOUNG CORE FLOURISHED IN A VICTORY

The Miami Heat (25-24) start the post-Jimmy Butler era undefeated, defeating the Philadelphia 76ers (20-30) 108-101.

Here’s a look at four major takeaways from the matchup:

1. Tyler Herro shakes off two inefficient games with another 30-point game.

Herro finished with 30 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists on 55 percent shooting and 45.5 percent from three-point range. This was his 11th 30-point game of the season. Without Butler, Herro remains the Heat’s primary scorer as teams start their defensive coverages with him being their main priority.

2. Bam Adebayo continues his surge back into All-Star form.

Adebayo finished with 18 points, 13 rebounds, and four assists on 50 percent shooting and 33.3 percent from three-point range. Although he ended his streak of four consecutive games, scoring at least 20 points, he was still largely impactful on the boards. He is three double-doubles away from being the Heat’s franchise leader in this category. Another reason for his recent success is his mid-range shot has been pure and consistent.

3. Nikola Jovic is continuing his breakout season in every aspect.

Jovic finished with 23 points, five rebounds, and seven assists on 88.9 percent shooting and 75 percent from three-point range. This is back-to-back games with at least 20 points on 70 percent shooting. He has become a very consistent shooter and a reliable playmaker when he has the ball in his hands. He has only missed four shots total over the last two games.

4. Terry Rozier redeemed himself after an awful game the night before.

After going 2-12 from the field against the Chicago Bulls and having fans question why he was still in the game, he bounced back significantly. Rozier finished with 20 points, five rebounds, and two assists on 47.1 percent shooting and 42.9 percent from three-point range. A major flaw of Rozier’s offense in several bad games this year, beyond his struggles from the perimeter, was his inability to convert on layups. This was not an issue for either tonight, as he got whatever he wanted against the Sixer’s defense.

Bryan Townes is a contributor to Miami Heat On SI. He can be reached at btownesjr@gmail.com or on X @bryantownesjr11. Follow our coverage on Facebook.