The Miami Heat are being floated in numerous trade rumors at the moment. With their current standing in the Eastern Conference, they could be a team looking to make a buying type of move for a potential playoff push.
CBS Sports released their latest trade deadline matchmaker, highlighting the best fits for the stars on the trade block. One player included is Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant and Miami is named as the best fit.
"Antetokounmpo's goal is winning a championship," the article wrote. "Morant's should be a bit more modest. The name of the game here is going to be getting to the right organization. He may not have total control over his health, but he can control his approach to the game and his off-court conduct. Getting him somewhere that will hold him accountable on and off the court, preferably with coaches and executives with track records he'll respect, is key."
Giannis Antetokounmpo seems to be the No. 1 target for Miami if he hits the trade block and rightfully so. Players of his caliber don't usually hit the midseason trade market. Morant's price would be less expensive and could help fix the Heat's backcourt issues over the past couple of seasons.
"Morant wouldn't instantly make the Heat contenders," the article added. "Frankly, he'd be their consolation prize, given the reporting from Marc Stein that the Heat will not pursue Morant if they think it affects their chances of landing Antetokounmpo. But if Antetokounmpo is off of the table, this could be an example of a directionless team and a directionless player uniting at a mutually beneficial moment. The Heat need someone with Morant's talent. Morant needs the sort of environment the Heat can provide. It would take some time for them to figure out the roster and the scheme, but Morant is just 26. They'd have time to figure this out."
In a potential package for Morant, the Heat would presumably part with Tyler Herro. He could be viewed as expendable given that his contract was not extended in Oct. Morant's trade value has plummeted from where he was just a few seasons ago but the Heat are a realistic team to take a chance on him.
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