Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant is having worst season of career. (Mandatory Credit: Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
We are less than two months away from the 2025-26 NBA Trade Deadline. And one player who’s received plenty of buzz — for better or worse (mostly the latter) — is Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant. The former No. 2 overall pick “lost his joy” — sound familiar?! — and has been subject to plenty of trade speculation despite missing the team’s last 10 games with a calf strain.
That noise didn’t quiet down Sunday.
NBA insider Jake Fischer of The Stein Line reported that the Miami Heat have had “internal discussions” regarding the disgruntled Grizzlies guard.
“Miami was already shaping into a surprising buyer on this trade market even before this week’s Giannis headlines,” Fischer’s report read. “League sources say that the Heat, for example, have had internal discussions about Memphis’ Ja Morant and how Miami’s infrastructure could benefit him.
“I find that interesting in itself even if such musings go no further. The Heat were not expecting to be as good as they’ve been this season, according to sources with knowledge of the team’s thinking, and a 14-10 start in a wide-open East appears to have them considering bolder win-now measures.”
Heat having “internal discussions” doesn’t mean aligned interest:
None of this is to say the Heat have interest in the two-time All-Star, who’s having the worst season of his career. We don’t know whether they do or don’t, but what we do know is that Miami 1.) Always do due diligence on stars and 2.) have a collection of decision-makers, even though Pat Riley’s the face. They may be having “internal discussions” surrounding Morant, but that doesn’t mean there’s direct interest.
His trade market is tricky. Morant, 26, is averaging 17.9 points and 7.6 assists on 35.9 percent shooting — including a ghastly 16.7 percent from 3-point range. His pedigree as a hyper-athletic, dynamic guard offensively is quite tantalizing. But his injury history, contract and controversy off the court could limit the number of suitors he attracts.
Last month, I wrote about why Morant wouldn’t be a current fit with the Miami Heat. The new offense they’ve thrived with was one implemented in Memphis last year — and it didn’t work, leading to Taylor Jenkins’ firing for a coach whose offense was suitable with Morant. If it didn’t work then, why would it work now?
Not to mention, the Heat’s roster construction is significantly imbalanced, and they don’t have the room to smush a $39.4 million salary into their books for someone who’s played just 37.8 percent of his available games the last three years.
Would you take a flyer on Ja Morant if you’re the Heat? Let us know in the comments!
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