Heat Extend Qualifying Offer to Davion Mitchell, Secure Restricted Free Agency Rights
The Miami Heat have officially extended the $8.7 million qualifying offer to guard Davion Mitchell for the 2025-26 season, designating him as a restricted free agent and retaining the ability to match any outside offers. In addition, Miami issued a two-way qualifying offer to guard Dru Smith, but opted not to extend a similar offer to Isaiah Stevens. The lone pending decision before Sunday’s deadline now lies with Duncan Robinson and his player option.
This move comes as no surprise and was largely considered a formality within league circles. Mitchell’s impact during his short stint in South Beach was significant. In just 30 regular-season appearances for the Heat, the former Baylor star averaged 10.3 points, 5.3 assists, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game, while posting eye-popping efficiency — 50.4% from the field and a scorching 44.7% from three-point range.
Mitchell quickly became a fan favorite and a reliable backcourt presence in Erik Spoelstra’s rotation, showing a strong two-way game and improved decision-making. His ability to guard multiple positions and play with pace made him a natural fit in Miami’s gritty, defensive-minded culture.
By extending the qualifying offer, the Heat now have leverage in free agency. If another team offers Mitchell a contract, Miami will have the right to match and retain him. Given his age and performance, Mitchell is expected to draw significant interest.
Meanwhile, the Heat’s decision to issue a two-way offer to Dru Smith suggests the franchise still sees potential in the young guard, while the lack of an offer to Isaiah Stevens may indicate a different direction or a wait-and-see approach depending on summer league performance.
All eyes now shift to Duncan Robinson’s player option decision, which will round out the Heat’s early offseason picture.
