Ja Morant
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The Miami Heat and Memphis Grizzlies have held preliminary talks over a possible trade for Ja Morant.
It’s looking more and more likely that the Miami Heat could facilitate a trade for Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant.
Morant and his camp reportedly have an interest in joining the Miami Heat. With news that the Grizzlies are entertaining trade calls for their star, the Heat have discussed the early stages of a possible trade.
“There have been preliminary discussions between the Heat and Grizzlies regarding Morant’s availability,” according to Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald. “Those talks have not yet escalated and a deal is not imminent, with a source characterizing the Heat’s link to Morant as ‘premature.'”
Despite a “premature” interest, the Heat could be desperate to add talent to their roster. They are currently 21-19 and are likely headed to the play-in tournament for the fourth consecutive season.
The Heat are missing a marquee superstar that can push the team over the edge and compete for an NBA Finals. Morant could be that missing piece.
The Heat have been linked to other stars throughout the season via potential trades. Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo and Dallas Mavericks star Anthony Davis are among the names that have been linked to the Heat.
However, Morant seems to be the most likely star the Heat would target in a trade.
This season, Morant is averaging 19 points, 7.6 assists and 3.2 rebounds per game. Morant is averaging his lowest points per game since his rookie season.
What Trade Package Would the Miami Heat Send to the Grizzlies for Ja Morant?
Terry Rozier
GettyThe Miami Heat would likely include Terry Rozier in a package for Ja Morant for cap reasons.
The Miami Heat have the necessary pieces to trade for Ja Morant if the team is seriously interested in a deal.
NBA insider Shams Charania reported that the Memphis Grizzlies “would prioritize draft picks and young players in return.”
ESPN analyst Bobby Marks proposed a hypothetical package, which would be Davion Mitchell, Terry Rozier and a first-round pick in exchange for Morant.
While the Heat don’t want to include draft capital in a Morant trade, according to Anthony Chiang, the first-round pick could be replaced by a young player such as guard Jaime Jaquez Jr. or center Kel’el Ware.
Rozier is likely to be included in any package for Morant because of his salary. Rozier’s contract is for $26.6M, which would act purely as a cap facilitator in a trade.
Morant is owed $89M in additional salary over the next two seasons. He won’t become an unrestricted free agent until the 2028 offseason.
How Would Ja Morant fit in with the Miami Heat?
On paper, Ja Morant and the Miami Heat could have trouble meshing if the team decides to trade for him.
Morant’s off-court issues are no secret. He’s missed 34 games throughout his career due to various suspensions.
“Heat culture” is a term thrown around often, but a large aspect of it is creating a strict, no nonsense envrionment. NBA insider Chris Haynes believes that could be exactly what Morant needs.
“The Heat does have interest, I would like to see him in Miami,” Haynes said. “I would like to see him in Miami because of the structure. Pat Riley being there, he’s never been shy to bring on guys who have questionable paths. I think it would be good for Ja Morant not just as a player but as a man to go into there. The Miami culture is different, it really is.”