The chapter between the Miami Heat and Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant isn’t over yet. While recent reports suggested the Heat were prioritizing assets for a potential blockbuster with the Milwaukee Bucks for Giannis Antetokounmpo, NBA insider Jake Fischer (Yahoo Sports) revealed Miami remains interested in Morant – but only at a significant discount.
Fischer said on his podcast:
“The Miami Heat are interested in Ja Morant but only on what they would consider a bargain deal. Something very equivalent to what the Washington Wizards paid for Trae Young. I have not heard much interest in Ja Morant elsewhere.”
Young was traded from the Atlanta Hawks to the Wizards on January 9 in a surprisingly cheap package: Washington sent C.J. McCollum and Corey Kispert. Given Morant is only 27, a similar low-cost deal could be enough to pry him from Memphis – a team that is openly “entertaining offers” for their star.
What a Heat Package for Morant Could Look Like Miami lacks first-round picks after sending one to Charlotte in the Terry Rozier trade, so any package would center on players and salary fillers. One realistic structure could include:
Heat send: Terry Rozier (salary match; Memphis could waive), Kel’el Ware (young center with Rising Stars nod), Jaime Jaquez Jr. (dynamic forward who’d be replaced in the sixth-man role by Davion Mitchell).
Grizzlies send: Ja Morant.
Rozier handles salary, while Ware and Jaquez provide youth and upside for Memphis.
Could Morant Be the Missing Piece for Miami? The Heat sit at 25-22, seventh in the East – stuck in play-in territory for three straight seasons. Morant (19.5 PPG, 8.1 APG, 3.3 RPG in 20 games) remains a massive upgrade despite a down year. Key points:
Miami leads the NBA in pace this season – driven by consultant Noah LaRoche (former Grizzlies staff). Morant is very familiar with that style.On Dec. 30 vs. the 76ers, Morant dropped 40 points (16-22 FG) – a mark no Heat player has reached this season.
Morant’s Situation in Memphis Morant hasn’t officially requested a trade, but his time in Memphis appears nearing an end. The Grizzlies are listening to offers – and Miami, led by Pat Riley, is among the most aggressive suitors.
If the deal happens, Morant would take over as starting PG, replacing Davion Mitchell and injecting explosiveness Miami has lacked.
Heat Nation – would you pull the trigger on Morant at a bargain price? Or hold assets for Giannis? Drop your thoughts below!