(Mandatory Credit: Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
With over 48 hours until the NBA Trade Deadline, the Memphis Grizzlies sent shockwaves around the NBA by trading star forward Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Utah Jazz in an eight-player, three-pick blockbuster.
The deal materalized out of thin air. And while the Heat weren’t direclty involved in the deal, it could affect their plans as time ticks before Thursday’s 3 p.m. EST deadline, especially if they don’t acquire Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Grizzlies are signaling a full rebuild, affecting Ja Morant’s market:
One player the Heat have been linked to the last several weeks is Grizzlies star guard Ja Morant. It wouldn’t be at the expense of Antetokounmpo, but at the right price.
Now, Morant’s market — given his contract, injury history, declining play and off-court issues — was never robust. But now the asking price has dropped precipitously, according to The Stein Line‘s Jake Fischer.
The Grizzlies’ asking price for Ja Morant has dropped significantly, sources say.
If we do end up seeing Memphis’ former All-Star point guard dealt over the next 27 hours, a team like Sacramento or Miami is going to do so at a low cost. I’ve been told not to discount Milwaukee… https://t.co/3P1XwYRejt
— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) February 4, 2026
In the seismic deal, the Grizzlies netted three first-round picks, amounting to seven first-round picks they acquired from both Desmond Bane and Jackson. Memphis, who’s drafted very well in recent memory, now has 12 first-rounders over the next seven years, and thus have no real reason to build around Morant unless they feel really eager to rehabilitate his value, which wouldn’t make much sense.
Thus, whether the Heat acquire Antetokounmpo or not, they could be in prime position to acquire the two-time All-Star in the hours leading up to the deadline. And the price could be cheaper than previously expected.
Morant, 26, is averaging 19.5 points, 3.3 rebounds and 8.1 assists on 41.0 percent shooting, including a career-low 23.5 percent from 3-point range through 20 games.
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