Getty
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - DECEMBER 26: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies reacts during the second half against the Milwaukee Bucks at FedExForum on December 26, 2025 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
Whenever a star player is available, the Miami Heat are listed as a possible suitor. Since Pat Riley took over the team, Miami has not been afraid to bring in star players. This goes back to when they brought in both LeBron James and Chris Bosh.
Right now, the Heat sit eighth in the Eastern Conference standings. Despite a new style offensively, they clearly need some players to help their chances of making the playoffs. Miami owns the 17th-best offense in the NBA, which is not good enough.
With their offense still not playing up to standard, they are a team to watch at the trade deadline. In fact, Bleacher Report has the Heat as a possible destination for star point guard Ja Morant in a trade at the deadline.
GettyMemphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant dribbles the ball. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
Miami Heat Seen as Possible Trade Destination for Ja Morant
Morant has had major issues with the Memphis Grizzlies this season. When he’s been on the court, he has talked about losing his joy for basketball. His stats are the worst that he’s put up since his rookie season, and he doesn’t show signs of improving those in Memphis.
Part of the reason why the Heat might be able to land Morant is that his trade value has plummeted. His off-court problems, coupled with injuries, have led him to play just 18 games this year. That could allow Miami to give up fewer assets in a potential trade for him.
Miami’s strong culture is another benefit to them trading for Morant. Morant clearly has some maturity issues. Riley is confident that he would be able to help Morant grow up and turn into the player he was meant to be. Of course, Morant is making a massive amount of money, which makes it hard to match salaries.
GettyMiami Heat center Bam Adebayo dribbles the ball. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
The Heat Need to Make a Trade to Secure Playoff Hopes
Even if Miami doesn’t bring someone in like Morant, they need to make a trade to help secure their playoff hopes. The East is the weaker conference, so there is no reason they shouldn’t be able to get into the top six of the conference.
Miami has the third-best defense in the league. Any trade that they make would need to keep the defense in the top five while helping the offense get into the top ten in the league. Adding a player or players to help them do that is a tricky needle to thread.
The Heat is certainly a team to watch for when it comes to trading for a star player. They tried to get Damian Lillard a couple of years ago from Portland, so they are not afraid to take big swings for players they believe will turn them into a playoff contender.
Miami will likely be active around the trade deadline, even if they aren’t able to land a star player when everything is all said and done.