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MIAMI, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 21: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks and Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat in action at FTX Arena on October 21, 2021 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
While most of the league is focused on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future with the Milwaukee Bucks, the Miami Heat appear to be exploring a different opportunity — one that offers significant upside and equally significant risk.
The Heat have internally discussed the possibility of trading for Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant, according to NBA insider Jake Fischer of The Stein Line.
“Miami was already shaping into a surprising buyer on this trade market even before this week’s Giannis headlines,” Fischer reported. “League sources say the Heat have had internal discussions about Ja Morant and how Miami’s infrastructure could benefit him.”
Morant’s Tumbling Trade Value: Suspension, Coaching Conflict and Injuries
GettyJa Morant is the subject of trade rumors after being suspended for one game by the Memphis Grizzlies.
Morant has been surrounded by trade speculation since early in the season following a suspension for conduct detrimental to the team. According to ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel, tensions escalated after Morant criticized the coaching staff, resulting in raised voices in the locker room and head coach Tuomas Iisalo calling out Morant for what was described as a lack of effort and leadership.
The situation compounds an already complicated off-court history.
Grizzlies Star’s Checkered Past
Morant has faced multiple league suspensions and public backlash for gun-related conduct on social media, including appearing on Instagram Live holding a firearm, which resulted in an eight-game suspension in 2023 and a subsequent 25-game suspension the following season for a similar incident. The NBA declared his conduct detrimental to the league and warned of the broader influence surrounding him.
He has also been linked to additional off-court disputes, including confrontations involving members of his circle and public criticism regarding decision-making and accountability.
Upon returning from his one-game suspension earlier in the season, Morant admitted that he did not feel joy playing for Memphis, signaling a growing disconnect between the player and the franchise.
His production has dipped as well. Morant has averaged 17.9 points and 7.6 assists per game while shooting 35.9 percent from the field and just 16.7 percent from three-point range. He has not played since November 15 as he continues to recover from a right calf strain suffered against Cleveland.
Executives Split on Whether Morant Is Worth the Gamble
HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto reported that rival teams have been monitoring Morant closely, checking regularly to see whether Memphis’ stance has changed. However, skepticism across the league appears to be rising. In a report last week from ESPN’s Tim MacMahon and Bobby Marks, executives expressed concern over acquiring Morant, citing his off-court track record, injury history, declining efficiency and sizable contract commitment.
One Eastern Conference executive described the combination of behavioral issues, durability concerns, regression in performance and salary as, in his words, “a bad one,” adding that he would not want Morant on his roster regardless of cost.
Why the Heat Believe They Can Fix Morant
Despite the risks, the Heat have developed a reputation for reviving careers that once appeared derailed. Under Pat Riley and head coach Erik Spoelstra, the organization has reshaped players through what has become known as Heat Culture, a demanding environment that prioritizes conditioning, discipline and role accountability.
That system has revived or reshaped careers ranging from Jimmy Butler to Hassan Whiteside, Kyle Lowry and Duncan Robinson. Miami is confident Morant could be the next in line if placed in a structure that demands strict professionalism.
High Risk, High Reward — and High Drama
At his best, Morant is an explosive slasher, elite playmaker and a player considered capable of being the best option on a contending team. At his worst, the concerns over decision-making, availability and investment loom large.
As the NBA awaits Antetokounmpo’s next move, the Heat is quietly surveying the viability of trading for Morant, who could be their backup plan.
Alder Almo is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com. He has more than 20 years of experience in local and international media, including broadcast, print and digital. He previously covered the Knicks for Empire Sports Media and the NBA for Off the Glass. Alder is from the Philippines and is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey. More about Alder Almo
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