Is Ja Morant headed to Miami? Why the Heat are suddenly linked to another blockbuster trade

As speculation continues to swirl around whether the Miami Heat could make a blockbuster move for Giannis Antetokounmpo before Thursday’s 3 p.m. NBA trade deadline, an unexpected development elsewhere in the league may have opened another high-profile path for Miami.

The shock move came out of Memphis, where the Grizzlies agreed to trade All-Star forward Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Utah Jazz, signaling a clear pivot toward a full-scale rebuild. With that decision made, league insiders believe the next major domino for Memphis could be Ja Morant.

Morant Emerges as a Realistic Target

Morant, a former All-Star point guard and the face of the Grizzlies franchise in recent years, has long been linked to Miami in league circles. According to sources familiar with the situation, the dynamic guard would be open to a move to the Heat if Memphis decides to reset its roster.

An NBA source told the South Florida Sun Sentinel that Miami could realistically explore both Antetokounmpo and Morant scenarios simultaneously, with neither option necessarily ruling out the other. The Heat, however, are expected to tread carefully given their limited draft capital and long-term salary commitments.

Draft Picks and Salary Realities

While the Grizzlies received three first-round picks from Utah in the Jackson deal, a potential Morant trade would likely be less about accumulating draft assets and more about offloading future salary obligations.

Miami’s flexibility in that department is limited. The Heat currently only control two future first-round picks — in 2030 and 2032 — assets they may prefer to reserve for a potential Giannis pursuit.

Morant’s contract presents another layer of complexity. He is owed $34.9 million this season, followed by $42.2 million next year and $44.9 million in the 2027–28 season, all fully guaranteed. His deal also includes a 15 percent trade kicker, increasing the financial risk for any acquiring team.

Even so, some around the league believe Morant’s deal could still prove more manageable than a future extension for Tyler Herro, whose extension eligibility opens in July if Miami opts to retain him.

How a Deal Could Work

If Memphis is primarily motivated by shedding salary, Miami could theoretically assemble a deal centered around Terry Rozier’s $26.6 million expiring contract and Simone Fontecchio’s $8.3 million expiring deal, allowing the Grizzlies to reset their books quickly.

Those same contracts, however, could also be crucial in a potential Antetokounmpo trade, which is why league observers expect the Heat to first wait for clarity on the Milwaukee Bucks’ intentions with their superstar forward.

Roster Fit and Risk Factors

Beyond finances, Miami would need to weigh Morant’s injury history and recent on-court inconsistencies when determining how much value they are willing to send out. The Heat already committed to Davion Mitchell last summer on a two-year, $24 million contract, while also carrying veteran Dru Smith and rookie Kasparas Jakucionis at the point guard position.

That depth could either provide flexibility in negotiations—or reduce the urgency to add another high-usage guard.

History Between Miami and Memphis

A Morant trade would not be unprecedented territory between the two franchises. The Heat and Grizzlies share a long transaction history, including the 2020 trade that brought Andre Iguodala, Jae Crowder, and Solomon Hill to Miami, helping fuel a Finals run.

Earlier still was the massive 2005 offseason deal that landed Antoine Walker, Jason Williams, and James Posey in Miami—moves that laid the foundation for the Heat’s 2006 NBA championship, now being celebrated on its 20th anniversary.

Adding an ironic twist, one of the players Memphis received in the Jackson trade—Kyle Anderson—previously passed through Miami in a February deadline deal before being rerouted to Utah last summer.

Injury Updates and Off-Court Notes

Away from the trade chatter, Miami ruled Andrew Wiggins out of Tuesday night’s game against Atlanta due to left hamstring tightness, marking his first absence since mid-December. Norman Powell also missed his third straight game for personal reasons.

Off the court, Heat owner Micky Arison and President Pat Riley hosted the annual Miami Heat Gala at Kaseya Center, celebrating the 2006 championship team while raising funds for charitable causes. Since its launch, the gala has generated more than $26 million for South Florida-based charities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are the Miami Heat interested in Ja Morant?
Yes, league sources say the Heat are monitoring Morant’s situation closely.

Why might the Grizzlies trade Ja Morant?
Memphis appears to be entering a rebuild after trading Jaren Jackson Jr. and may want to shed long-term salary.

Can the Heat pursue both Giannis and Morant?
According to league insiders, the Heat could explore both options, though draft assets may limit them.

What contracts could Miami use in a trade?
Terry Rozier and Simone Fontecchio’s expiring deals could be central to a Morant trade.

What are the risks in acquiring Morant?
Injuries, declining production, and long-term salary commitments are key concerns.