Ja Morant
Getty
The Miami Heat could target Ja Morant in a potential trade after breaking news that the Grizzlies are listening to trade offers.
The Miami Heat could be a very likely next destination for Memphis Grizzlies two-time NBA All-Star guard Ja Morant.
For the first time, the Grizzlies are entertaining offers for Morant, according to NBA insider Shams Charania.
Charania added the type of package the Grizzlies are looking for in return for Morant, including the specific assets the team would prefer.
“Multiple teams are pursuing Morant in trade talks,” Charania said. “Rival executives believe the Grizzlies would prioritize draft picks and young players in return, sources said. Morant, 26, is under contract with the Grizzlies through the 2027-28 season.”
The Heat have previously been linked to Morant as trade rumors have continued to grow. Bleacher Report recently named Miami as a realistic landing spot for the star.
The team has been linked to multiple superstars who have trade rumors surrounding them, but with Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo likely off the table, Morant might be the next best option.
The Miami Heat Have the Assets for a Potential Morant Trade
Kel'el Ware
GettyMiami Heat center Kel’el Ware would likely be the centerpiece in a potential trade package for Ja Morant.
The Heat have multiple talented young players that could be on the move if they’re set on trading for Morant.
Center Kel’el Ware, the second-year player out of Indiana, would be the centerpiece in a trade for Morant. He is one of just eight players in the NBA who are currently averaging a double-double or better.
Ware showed flashes during his rookie season, but his production has taken a step forward as a sophomore. He’s been one of the most efficient shooting big men in the NBA, shooting 43% from three and 81.5% from the free-throw line.
Another young player who could be included is Jaime Jaquez Jr. After battling a slump in his second season, Jaquez has emerged to become one of the most productive sixth men in the NBA.
Jaquez is averaging 16.2 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game this season. He has the second-highest odds, just behind the Minnesota Timberwolves‘ Naz Reid, to win the Sixth Man of the Year award.
Where the Heat might not be able to compete with other potential suitors for Morant is draft capital.
The team only has one tradeable first-round pick due to the Terry Rozier trade with the Charlotte Hornets in 2024. However, the team has one of the top collections of young talent in the NBA to make up for the lack of draft capital.
How Likely is the Miami Heat to Trade for Ja Morant?
Pat Riley
GettyIf Pat Riley and the Miami Heat front office want to trade for Ja Morant, they have the young pieces to do it.
As of December 17, the Miami Heat have the third-highest odds to make a trade for Morant, according to Bet365.
The Heat are sitting at +900 to be Morant’s next destination. Only the Sacramento Kings (+600) and the Toronto Raptors (+700) have better odds.
The Kings have engaged in trade talks with multiple teams, as they sit at 8-29 and are likely looking to completely rebuild.
The Raptors are 23-15 and fourth in the Eastern Conference. They could potentially target Morant as the piece to boost a playoff run.