(Mandatory credit: Getty Images)
There has now been nearly two weeks passed since a 2026 NBA trade deadline that left the Miami Heat completely empty handed.
With rumors that linked Miami to both Giannis Antetokounmpo and Ja Morant, they ended up with neither. Instead, a Heat team hovering just over the .500 mark and back in their fate of play-in territory for the fourth straight season was the only team in the Eastern Conference to not make a single deadline move. As much as a Giannis pipe dream had all the potential to be franchise-altering, some fans were left questioning why they didn’t pivot to Morant?
It wasn’t as simple as the Bucks decision to keep Antetokounmpo leaving the Heat front office with no time to lean into a backup plan. Instead, the rumored interest from Miami on Morant was evidently a bit overstated— despite strong interest from Morant and his camp’s side in potentially joining the Heat.
Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald recently wrote that there indeed was some concerns from the Heat’s side in taking a swing to acquire Morant:
“There was a reluctance to take on two years ($84M) for a player who has not played more than 67 games in any of his six seasons because of injuries and suspension. His slender body type (which runs counter to Miami preference for point guards) and diminished production couldn’t be ignored, nor the risk of extended NBA suspension with another misstep.”
(via Barry Jackson, h/t HeatCulture13/X)
Heat’s decision to stay away from Ja Morant is understandable, but still questionable.
Miami has every right to be wary of committing to another risky, and expensive, polarizing name. Their two main concerns in Morant— the injury and suspension history— are two facets that the front office is already dealing with in Tyler Herro and Terry Rozier. And an expensive one at that.
Herro and Rozier have earned nearly $60 million combined this season alone while getting just 11 games played out of them both. Rozier especially, hasn’t suited up in a single game this season before immediately dealing with his off-court gambling scandal since opening night.
Still, this older Heat front office spearheaded by Pat Riley has yet to adjust to the modern day deal making by taking risks. Morant’s upside, personally, is worth more than letting his past impact the decision to pursue someone as talented as himself. He is still yet to reach the prime of his career and was once considered one of the greatest players in the league just a few years ago.
If the Heat were to have gotten the best version of him, Morant would have undoubtedly raised the ceiling of a team struggling to get out of the play-in picture once again. This team is desperate for that spark from the type of risk to bring in a former superstar, yet it still wasn’t enough for the front office to break out of complacency.
Not to mention, the price for Morant’s services could’ve been negotiated to acquire for a bargain price— if they were serious in pursuing him.
Morant is currently averaging 19.5 points, 8.1 assists and 1.0 steal per game, which is a decline from his career numbers. But who’s to say that injecting some Heat Culture wouldn’t have done wonders in reviving his superstardom in the midst of a change of scenery? Looks like we will never know.
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If it were up to me, maybe I would have left Milwaukee already. When I hit free agency, it will be up to me.~ Giannis Antetokounmpo ~
This guy sure knows how to hype himself and mess with GM’s heads. Since Riley did not make a trade (or two) before the trade deadline, is he now planning to go down that rabbit hole again?
It’s all about the contract, he has two years left after this season and makes 25% of the salary cap as a non-shooter and bad defender. His contract extension agreed to in 2022 is an example of an old contract before the new CBA took effect in 2023. The new CBA has been driving down spending (for the owners benefit) and making teams hesitant to take on long term money unless it’s at a discount
Heat already has three non-performing financial headaches, Rozier, Herro and Jovic. Morant would have made a fourth. That’s over $100M tied up in 4 deadbeats. Who thinks that is a great idea? I sure don’t.
I remain in the camp who feels it was a mistake to pass on Ja. There are many good reasons why but we have already elaborated on them ad nauseam. These face saving comments are an interesting aspect of the recent Heat hype machine. If they didn’t act then, when will they? Every deal has risk, but few had the potential reward of this opportunity.
The thin body comment especially rankles with the drafting of Herro, who cannot bulk up enough to disguise his thin physique. We shall see if Ty now becomes undesirable because of his body type or if he gets extended. Or will that just be one of the many excuses given for non activity. Oh well, it’s all water under the bridge now.
But, if you want to fairly compare GM’s, take a look at the efforts of some of our Eastern conference competition over the past year, particularly recently, in contrast to the lack of action by ours. If you just check into what other teams have done and that doesn’t help you see how our GM has been performing inadequately and losing ground, then you are blind or living in the past.
Funny, I can agree with both conflicting sides of this issue, and I just had this conversation minutes ago with my partner. I said I wouldn’t have minded Ja here, but there are so many layers to look at. Health for me was #1. As others have pointed out, his contract is such that you can’t just say, okay I’ll take a flyer on him. I’d feel different if he was making in the $20m range. We know his off court issues. We know his shooting and defensive deficiencies. We know he’s pushed back at his coach and others in the organization. And we also know, at his best, he is a very dynamic player.
Yes, the risk wasn’t in the trade itself as we were going to get a great deal as we would not have had to send much back. The risk was in the salary. I still would have done it.
My new thing is to state my opinions honestly, with as little consideration as possible for how they are received. It’s ok for anyone to disagree. I previously watered down my comments a little too much to be user friendly.
Memphis wanted a pick and a young player. FTS!
I agree, don’t care if Trae was a salary dump or not Ja should not go for more than what he went for cause if we’re being honest Trae young is better and more accomplished then Ja is and it’s not close tbh
Donovan Mitchell has one guaranteed season left on his three-year, $150 million deal and a player option for 2027-28. He can opt out next summer (2027). He should be Miami’s target.
STATS
Any questions?
No questions just hoped that we can get him
‘My new thing is to state my opinions honestly, with as little consideration as possible for how they are received’
I thought you’ve been doing that all along.
Trading for him would be a desperate move to temporary satisfy the fans base and “do something” move , if everything else fails.
Its a game of chances, and chances for good outcome out of this trade are rather slim, and chances for a catastrophe rather good.
I believe that was the right decision from Heat.