Despite persistent trade speculation, reporter Tim Bontemps states Ja Morant won't land with the Miami Heat or Milwaukee Bucks.
Ja Morant’s name continues to circulate as the NBA trade deadline approaches, but one of the league’s most plugged-in reporters says two of the most frequently mentioned destinations can be ruled out.
ESPN’s Tim Bontemps said he does not believe Morant will end up with either the Miami Heat or the Milwaukee Bucks if the Memphis Grizzlies ultimately move their franchise guard.
“I feel confident that Ja Morant will not be a Heat and will not be a Buck,” Bontemps said. “I don’t believe he’s going to Miami. And I don’t believe he’s going to Milwaukee.”
The comments add clarity to a trade landscape that has grown increasingly narrow. Both Miami and Milwaukee have been loosely linked to Morant in recent weeks, largely due to roster needs and star-driven urgency, but league reporting has consistently suggested that neither situation aligns cleanly with Memphis’ goals or the acquiring teams’ constraints.
Miami, in particular, has been viewed as a long shot. ESPN reporting earlier this month indicated the Heat are prioritizing long-term flexibility and are focused on avoiding major salary commitments ahead of the summer of 2027, when multiple star players could become available. Taking on Morant’s contract — which escalates to nearly $45 million by the 2027–28 season — would directly conflict with that approach.
Milwaukee has been framed differently. The Bucks have limited draft assets available until 2031 and are widely believed to be operating with urgency around Giannis Antetokounmpo’s championship window. While that urgency has fueled speculation, league insiders have repeatedly questioned whether Milwaukee has a realistic package that would satisfy Memphis without stripping the roster to the point of diminishing returns.
Bontemps’ remarks come just days after Morant returned to the court in emphatic fashion. Playing in London, Morant recorded 24 points and 13 assists in 28 minutes to lead Memphis to a 126-109 win over the Orlando Magic. He scored or assisted on 44 of the Grizzlies’ 72 first-half points and became the first player in franchise history to record at least 20 points and 10 assists in a half during the play-by-play era.
More telling than the performance was Morant’s tone afterward. Amid persistent speculation about his future, Morant emphasized loyalty and his connection to the franchise.
“Everybody in here who knows me, knows I’m a very loyal guy,” Morant said. “I got a logo on my back, and that should tell you where I want to be.”
Morant also described returning to the floor as restorative, framing basketball as a stabilizing force during a turbulent stretch.
“Just being able to play basketball is very therapeutic for me,” Morant said. “Just walking off and representing Memphis is what it’s all about.”
Those comments contrast with outside evaluations of Morant’s situation. Former NBA All-Star John Wall recently suggested Morant may need a fresh start to rediscover joy, while also acknowledging that availability remains the primary concern for teams considering a trade. Morant has never played 70 games in a season and has been limited by injuries and a suspension over the past two years.
Taken together, the reporting paints a clearer picture. While Memphis has listened to inquiries and Morant’s name remains prominent in league conversations, the list of plausible destinations is shrinking rather than expanding. With Miami and Milwaukee now firmly off the board, any potential deal would likely come from a team willing to balance risk, patience, and long-term planning — a combination that has proven difficult to find.
For now, Morant’s play and his words point in the same direction: uncertainty remains, but some of the loudest rumors no longer carry weight.