Heat are viewed as an “attractive landing spot” for Ja Morant

The price for Ja Morant is the lowest it’s ever been, reportedly making him a real target for the Miami Heat amid mutual interest as the February 5 trade deadline looms.
(Photo via Getty Images)

Another year, another season with the Miami Heat being linked as a potential destination to acquire a disgruntled star. And the most recent has now been Ja Morant.

With Giannis Antetokounmpo’s fate on the trade market still uncertain, Morant could be a much cheaper pivot to fall right into Pat Riley’s lap. The two-time All-Star’s future with the Memphis Grizzlies appears to be ending, with both Morant and the Grizzlies looking to move on. And taking a gamble on the talented point guard is right up Riley’s alley.

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Morant’s value across the league is reportedly very low considering a combination of injuries, statistical decline and off-court antics over the years. Some are saying that the price to acquire him could be similar to what the Atlanta Hawks received for Trae Young, which was just expiring salary and a rotational player with zero young talent or draft picks involved.

If the Heat could buy low on Morant’s services, why not take a swing?

Perhaps injecting some Heat Culture could help revive the superstardom for a talented player of his caliber. He’s still only 26 years old, and was once considered an MVP level player just a couple of seasons ago. For his career, Morant has averaged 22.4 points, 7.4 assists, 4.6 rebounds and one steal on 46.6% shooting. If Miami would be receiving the best version of him, he adds some explosive athleticism and elite playmaking skills to a Heat team in need of an alpha.

According to several reports that have gained traction across the media, there’s mutual interest between Miami and Ja Morant.

Rachel Nichols was the first to confirm that Morant wants to “go down” to Miami on SI’s Open Floor NBA Show. Additionally, Yahoo Sports’ Kelly Iko mentioned “Miami has quickly emerged as an attractive trade destination” for Morant and his “camp” in recent days.

ESPN insider Shams Charania confirmed there is interest on the Heat’s side as well on the NBA Today broadcast:

“This is potentially the beginning of Ja Morant’s exit in Memphis,” Charania said. “From my understanding Miami, Sacramento, and multiple other teams have a level of interest.”

Jake Fischer is yet another league insider that has added the Heat are “looming as one of the most likely landing spots” for Morant. And this is all just a few of several more rumors and reports linking the Heat to the Grizzlies guard across the national media over the past few months, with Chris Hanyes being the latest to report on a Morant to Miami move:

Even a bunch of former NBA players have endorsed Morant in South Beach, such as Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Garnett, Jeff Teague and former Heat player Markieff Morris, among plenty of others. The consensus amongst all league voices— whether insiders, reporters, analysts or former players have been intentional on viewing the Heat as a legitimate fit for Morant.

Most importantly, the feeling of a potential partnership between Morant and the Heat is reportedly mutual, as we get closer to the upcoming February 5 trade deadline.

Heat are viewed as an “attractive landing spot” for Ja Morant

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