(Photo via Joe Rondone/The Commercial Appeal)
The Miami Heat have been linked to several stars on this year’s trade market so far. Most notably, Giannis Antetokounmpo headlines that list, and Miami should be willing to trade almost anything to bring someone of his MVP caliber aboard.
However, for the other names, that shouldn’t be the case. And not even close to it.
Guys like Kawhi Leonard, Anthony Davis and Ja Morant are some of the bigger low-risk, high-reward types of names in trade rumors that have been attached to the Heat. Out of those three, the possibility of Pat Riley and the front office making a swing for Morant has gotten the most smoke.
Just recently, NBA insider Jake Fischer had reported that the Heat could be interested in acquiring the disgruntled Morant from the Memphis Grizzlies. He mentioned that Miami has had “internal discussions” about the All-Star point guard and how their “infrastructure” could benefit him. In summary, Fischer is saying that the front office believes that Heat Culture could revive the career of Morant.
Currently in his seventh season, the 26-year-old Morant is in the midst of averaging 17.7 points and 7.5 assists on an abysmal 35.7% shooting. He has shown some rapid signs of decline, but it is unclear just how much of that has to do with a true regression or if he is trying to play his way out of Memphis.
Morant was suspended by the Grizzlies for expressing disagreement towards the team’s coaching strategy and his minutes earlier this season. He’s also dealt with several injuries over the years.
If there is any organization that can revive the superstardom of Ja Morant, it’s the Miami Heat.
His numbers during this 2025-26 campaign are drastically down from his usual stats. For his career, Morant is averaging 22.4 points, 7.4 assists, 4.7 rebounds and 1.0 steals on 47% from the field. His best season came back in 2021-22, where he put up 27.4 points, 6.7 assists and 5.7 rebounds per game.
He is also a two-time NBA All-Star, a former Rookie of the Year and All-NBA talent. He was once considered one of the premier players in the entire league.
Clearly this is a much better player than his current numbers show. A change of scenery is desperately needed between both Morant and the Grizzlies, and could come prior to the February 5 trade deadline. Is it worth the gamble for the Heat?
Only for the right price.
That means Tyler Herro should be entirely off the table, along with other assets like Kel’el Ware, multiple draft picks and even Norman Powell. Maybe adding Morant makes sense to flip Andrew Wiggins and to get rid of the struggling, and now hurt, Nikola Jovic before his extension kicks in. Even including Wiggins alone is questionable, but would be necessary financially to get a deal done.
Terry Rozier’s expiring salary could work instead, although there’s still uncertainty on utilizing that, too.
There’s definitely a case that Morant’s scoring punch and athleticism, if he’s at his best (big if), would provide a significant boost to this Heat team. He also would fit nicely alongside Herro and Bam Adebayo’s timeline.
Still, Morant’s track record isn’t pretty, both on and off the court. It would be a risk. Thus, Riley needs to keep his best trade chips out of any discussions with the Grizzlies to even entertain the idea.
What would you give up for Ja Morant? Let us know in the comments below!
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If we can’t get giannis or kawhi, then yea I would trade ty and jovic for morant. Can’t have both morant ty starting that would be a liability on D.
Herro plus Fontecchio for Morant sounds fair.
if they throw in a draft pick.
call it in right now, then start negociating with Milwaukie so the Heat can pair Giannis and Morant
I do that trade as it’s a fair one, particularly for us. I would rather send Ty but you asked about the specific trade you did so my answer is yes. But, I’m not sure Memphis would think we are giving up enough in this scenario.
Please no