The Miami Heat balked at Ja Morant, prioritizing future cap space and younger talent over current roster needs. A bold, risky gamble unfolds.
As the trade deadline passed, the Miami Heat were the only team in the Eastern Conference not to make a move. After weeks of reports and rumors about Giannis Antetokounmpo potentially leaving the Milwaukee Bucks, it led to nothing.
The organization could have attempted to land two-time All-Star Ja Morant from the Memphis Grizzlies. However, it was reported that there were discussions about potentially pursuing the 26-year-old guard, with the final verdict being a no-go.
Morant is currently averaging 19.5 points on 41 percent from the field and 23.5 percent from three-point range, 3.3 rebounds, 8.1 assists, and a steal in 20 games. This is his worst statistical season since his sophomore year. He's $39.45 million this season, with an average salary of $43.53 million over the next two years.
The Heat won't take future salaries unless it's for a superstar, such as Antetokounmpo.
They're reportedly keeping their financial books clean to aggressively attack the 2027 free agency class, which potentially consists of Nikola Jokic, Steph Curry, and Donovan Mitchell.
Also, the Grizzlies' asking price for Morant was above market value. They reportedly asked for Kel'el Ware or Jaime Jaquez Jr., Terry Rozier, and a first-round pick.
Both young players are having career seasons. Rozier is on leave, currently under federal investigation for alleged illegal sports gambling. The Heat had two first-round picks to offer, 2030 and 2032, along with multiple first-round swaps.
It should be concerning to be labeled the only team in the Eastern Conference not to make a trade.
The Heat are in the same division as the Washington Wizards and Charlotte Hornets. Both organizations made moves that could benefit them in the long run.
The Wizards acquired 10-time All-Star Anthony Davis from the Dallas Mavericks and the Hornets acquired former North Carolina Tar Heels guard Coby White from the Chicago Bulls.
The Heat currently sits with a 27-25 record, eighth in the Eastern Conference standings. The Wizards are mathematically a long shot from jumping in the standings, but the Hornets are riding an eight-game winning streak, currently the longest in the league. The Heat's chances of making the playoffs without the play-in tournament have slimmed. The offense has become inconsistent and the roster doesn't have the personnel to be great defensively.
The Heat will face the Boston Celtics on Friday night, who acquired two-time All-Star center Nikola Vucevic. He could make his debut as the trade was officially finalized.
They risk dropping in the Eastern Conference.
Join the Community! Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news! It's completely free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our RoundTable writers, and chat with fellow members.
Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!
More Miami Heat News: