With the 2025-26 season well underway, the Miami Heat are on the hunt for their next superstar.
Still rebuilding after Jimmy Butler’s trade last season, the Heat have been focused on finding their footing as the new campaign continued. One sure-shot way to rebuild, of course, is to trade for a new veteran star. Although no move has been finalized, reports suggest a possible trade involving a younger NBA star.
Miami Heat Could Trade For Controversial Western Conference Star
In a recent report on Sunday, Jake Fischer, via the Stein Line, connected the Heat to Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant.
Morant’s 2025-26 campaign has taken an unusual turn, with multiple reports hinting at a potential trade, but no apparent suitors have emerged. Fischer, however, believes that the Heat might try to sign the 26-year-old.
The Heat have discussed a potential trade for Ja Morant 🧐
(via @JakeLFischer) pic.twitter.com/ntOvm4JvZM
— 𝙃𝙀𝘼𝙏 𝙉𝘼𝙏𝙄𝙊𝙉 (@HeatvsHaters) December 8, 2025
“Miami was already shaping into a surprising buyer on this trade market even before this week’s Giannis headlines,” Fischer wrote. “League sources say that the Heat, for example, have had internal discussions about Memphis’ Ja Morant and how Miami’s infrastructure could benefit him.”
Fans had interesting reactions to the rumors. Some trolled the Heat for their multiple trade rumors, indicating that the Heat would never actually sign a new player. Others pointed out that while the price might be favorable, Morant won’t be a good fit with Heat president Pat Riley.
Naturally, there were concerns about Morant’s own performance.
Currently sidelined with a calf injury, Morant has been averaging 17.9 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 7.6 assists per game this season, while shooting 35.9% from the field.
His current average represents a significant dip from the 2024-25 season (23.2 PPG), further reducing his trade value. His off-court issues continue to be highlighted, leading many analysts to write him off as a good candidate for a trade.
That being said, trade rumors surrounding Morant have been discussed ever since his suspension earlier in the season. The two-time NBA All-Star was disciplined for speaking against the Grizzlies’ coaching.
Additionally, Morant is currently signed to a five-year, $197.23 million contract with the Grizzlies.
Morant’s Trade Value Continues to Suffer
Despite his positive attributes on the court, there’s no denying the apprehension surrounding Morant’s current situation in the NBA. Fans and analysts have repeatedly called Morant out, indicating that his controversial behaviour won’t get him anywhere in the league.
In a previous report, ESPN’s Tim MacMahon and Bobby Marks highlighted the same, as they said (via Bleacher Report): “‘The combination of pain in the a**, injury prone, not that good anymore and big contract is a bad one,’ an East executive said, adding that he ‘wouldn’t want Morant on his roster regardless of salary.’”
Overall, a team might not look to bear the weight of Morant’s contract, especially as his issues continue.
The Grizzlies are currently ranked ninth in the Western Conference with an 11-13 win-loss record.