The Miami Heat are always included in trade discussions when a star player hits the trade market. Just three offseasons ago, the Heat were eyeing Damian Lillard before he was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks. This past offseason, Miami was heavily interested in acquiring Kevin Durant before his trade to the Houston Rockets. Now, there is another All-Star potentially available on the trade block and Miami should show heavy interest. That All-Star is Ja Morant.
Bleacher Report released an article, predicting one trade for every franchise if the deadline was today. The Memphis Grizzlies could find their trade partner for the disgruntled star with the Heat.
Heat receive: G Ja Morant
Grizzlies receive: G Tyler Herro and F Nikola Jovic
"Trade winds have quieted a bit around Morant, although a muted market may be more to blame than any lack of incentive on Memphis' side," the article wrote. "The Grizzlies have played much better without their oft-unavailable point guard this season, faring 6.3 points better per 100 possessions when he's not on the floor. Memphis might just be waiting for the right offer to come along, and maybe Miami is ready to provide it. The Heat "have had internal discussions" about him and 'how Miami's infrastructure could benefit him,' per NBA insider Marc Stein. They've also had trouble re-integrating Herro in their revamped offense and haven't gotten anything near the breakout campaign they hoped was in the cards for Jovic. Now, it's worth noting that Morant wasn't the biggest fan of the offense Miami is now running, but maybe the Heat think they could #culture their way around that. Or maybe that's just not a big enough concern to step in their preferred path of adding a disgruntled star at a discount."
Morant comes with a history of suspensions and injuries so a trade for him includes a decent amount of risk. Miami has long looked for a guard to play opposite Herro and may have found it with Norman Powell. However, Powell's contract is expiring and Herro's contract was not extended prior to the Oct. deadline. The Heat could just very well decide to take on Morant, who is under contract through 2028, and switch things up. Jovic was extended prior to this season but could very easily be moved considering the depth Miami has at the forward position with Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Simone Fontecchio. Adding a player of Morant's caliber without having to move future first-round draft picks should be seen as a major win, even with the off-the-court concerns.