Ja Morant
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The Miami Heat still have interest in a trade for Ja Morant, but only if a trade package is cheap.
The chapter between the Miami Heat and Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant isn’t necessarily closed yet.
While reports surfaced that the Heat were more interested in holding assets for a possible trade with the Milwaukee Bucks for star Giannis Antetokounmpo, NBA insider Jake Fischer revealed the Heat still have interest in Morant for a cheaper deal.
“The Miami Heat are interested in Ja Morant but only on what they would consider a bargain deal,” Fischer said. “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. The Wizards sent the Hawks guard C.J. McCollum and forward Corey Kispert in exchange for Young.
The trade package for Young was considered extremely cheap by many, considering Young is just 27 years old. A similar package produced by the Heat could be enough to bring Morant to Miami.
What Would be Included in a Miami Heat Package for Ja Morant?
Jaime Jaquez Jr.
GettyThe Miami Heat could include Jaime Jaquez Jr. in a trade package for Ja Morant.
The Miami Heat would likely not include a draft pick in a package for Morant because of the first-round pick they sent to the Charlotte Hornets in the trade for guard Terry Rozier.
So what would a trade package look like?
Rozier would be expected to be a part of any trade package due to his salary, although the Grizzlies would likely just release him afterwards.
Heat center Kel’el Ware could be a part of a package for Morant. The second-year center was recently selected to play in the Rising Stars game, but his role in the Heat’s rotation has been inconsistent.
Lastly, Heat forward Jaime Jaquez Jr. could be moved, with Heat guard Davion Mitchell expected to be sent to the bench if Morant were to join the Heat. Mitchell would replace Jaquez’s role as the sixth man.
Could Ja Morant be the Missing Piece for the Miami Heat to Contend for a Championship?
The Miami Heat are currently 25-22 and in seventh place in the Eastern Conference. As a team that’s been hovering around the play-in tournament over the past three seasons, Morant could provide the boost the team has been missing.
While Ja Morant hasn’t officially requested a trade, his time in Memphis is more than likely coming to a close.
The Memphis Grizzlies are “entertaining offers” for their star guard, with Pat Riley and the Miami Heat front office likely being one of the teams offering a package.
In 2o games this season, Morant is averaging 19.5 points, 8.1 assists and 3.3 rebounds per game. He would likely replace Davion Mitchell as the team’s starting point guard.
Morant is having a down year compared to his previous seasons. He’s averaging his fewest points per game since the 2020-2021 NBA season. Despite that, he could still be a significant contributor to the fast-paced Heat offense.
Against the Philadelphia 76ers on December 30, Morant finished with 40 points on 16-22 shooting. No Heat player has scored 40 points in a game this season.
Additionally, Morant has familiarity with the Heat’s offense style. Noah LaRoche is a “consultant” who previously worked for the Grizzlies. He’s a large part of why the Heat lead the NBA in pace this season.