The Miami Heat were hesitant to bear Ja Morant's guaranteed salary despite having interest in trading for him.
The Miami Heat seriously discussed a potential trade for Ja Morant before the deadline but ultimately decided against pursuing a deal before the Feb. 5 deadline passed.
Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reported that Miami had “enough interest” in Morant to place an initial call to the Memphis Grizzlies several weeks before the trade deadline. However, that exploratory contact did not evolve into active negotiations. League sources cited what Jackson described as “myriad factors” that led the Heat to step back from further pursuit.
Morant, 26, has averaged 19.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 8.1 assists in 20 games this season. His explosiveness and ability to pressure the rim remain intact, though his scoring production has dipped compared to prior campaigns. Availability has also been a persistent storyline; Morant has not appeared in at least 67 games in any of his six NBA seasons due to injuries or suspensions.
Financial considerations factored heavily into discussions. Morant is owed roughly $84 million over the next two seasons, a sizable commitment for any acquiring team. Executives across the league have increasingly emphasized durability and long-term cost certainty when evaluating major trades, particularly involving max-level contracts.
Miami’s reported hesitation centered on balancing upside with stability. The Heat have built their identity around structure, continuity, and defined roles. While Morant’s competitive fire and late-game shot creation would theoretically complement that culture, absorbing significant salary while assuming injury and availability risk presents a layered decision.
Memphis, for its part, did not appear inclined to rush into a deal.
The Grizzlies have already signaled organizational change by moving other rotation pieces in recent months, but league sources indicated the franchise was not prepared to discount its most recognizable player at the deadline. Memphis is expected to seek substantial value — potentially including young talent and draft capital — should it revisit trade conversations in the offseason.
Timing may ultimately prove decisive. Deadline negotiations often compress leverage, while the offseason introduces broader flexibility, clearer cap projections, and more aggressive bidding environments. Teams reassess competitive timelines once playoff positioning is finalized and draft assets are slotted.
For now, Morant remains in Memphis, where his performance and availability will continue to shape the franchise’s direction. Whether Miami or another team re-engages when the offseason market opens will depend on both price and projection.
The deadline passed without movement. The larger evaluation may just be beginning.