What could a Heat-Grizzlies Ja Morant trade look like?

Ja Morant Miami Heat Memphis Grizzlies — What could a realistic Miami Heat-Memphis Grizzlies trade look like for Ja Morant? (Mandatory Credit: AP Photo/Brandon Dill)

The noise has only continued to get louder, and the smoke has only gotten cloudier: Ja Morant’s future in Memphis appears to be coming to an end. One of the teams that would — reportedly — be interested in his services is the Miami Heat.

Is that surprising? No. Mornat’s market appears to be fairly dry. But what are three *somewhat fair* offers for the four-time All-Star?! Let’s examine.

(Editor’s note: Yes, I tried to be pragmatic … sue me! There’s a reason why I’m not in a front office. Additionally, I also used Spotrac’s trade machine tool to verify the legality of these deals.)

1-for-1 swap?

Heat receive: Ja Morant
Grizzlies receive: Tyler Herro, cash

Skinny: Let’s open with lighting some dynamite. Yes, there can be a Morant-Herro one-for-one swap. This is a classic “who says no?” type of offer. The Heat would have to eat the rest of Morant’s $87 million beyond 2025-26, while the Grizzlies would have to eat Herro’s $33 million.

It’s worth noting that both players are extension-eligible at the end of this season. Would either side pull the trigger? Ultimately, I think both say no to this specific proposal, but it is an intriguing idea for two players who may benefit from a change of scenery.

Let’s test NBA with Terry Rozier:

Heat receive: Ja Morant
Grizzlies receive: Terry Rozier, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Simone Fontecchio one pick swap (2029)

Skinny: There still isn’t any clarity to Terry Rozier’s situation. The 6-foot-1 guard was charged was conspriacy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering from a gambling probe last October. He has since pleaded not guilty, but it remains unknown if the Heat can actually trade him or not.

If so, Rozier would give Memphis an expiring contract for salary relief, as would Fontecchio. Jaquez plus a swap provides a little more balance financially, rewarding the Grizzlies with an intriguing young player who is due for an extension this summer.

Where a third (or fourth) team could enter:

Heat receive: Ja Morant
Grizzlies receive: Andrew Wiggins, Simone Fontecchio, one pick swap (2026)

Skinny: To be clear: In any one of these proposals, a third or fourth team could get involved. However, this one felt the most palatable — in my opinion. Wiggins has reportedly garnered interest from Los Angeles and Milwaukee.

Since his $28.2 million isn’t expiring, perhaps the Grizzlies could re-route the 30-year-old to either for another expiring (Cole Anthony, Rui Hachimura, Jaxson Hayes, etc.) or two. They could also branch out to another interested suitor for an expiring to help clear their books … or opt to trade Wiggins in the summer if he opts into his $30 million player option.

None of these, by any means, are perfect frameworks. What would you give up for Morant?! Let us know in the comments!