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Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies
Ahead of the NBA trade deadline last week, the Miami Heat were rumored to be working the phones in order to make some moves, with the possibility of the storied franchise potentially bringing in a big-name player.
Although the Heat have been linked to superstar big man Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks for quite some time, Miami couldn’t get a deal done, leading many to believe the team would pivot to star guard Ja Morant of the Memphis Grizzlies.
NBA Insider Reveals Why Heat Didn’t Trade for Ja Morant
Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies
However, the trade deadline came and went, with Antetokounmpo still in Milwaukee and Morant remaining in Memphis. Even though trade talks involving both star players will likely gain steam again during the NBA offseason, the two will stay with the teams that drafted them for the time being.
Ultimately, the Heat’s brass decided to stand pat at the trade deadline, which was surprising, to say the least. It appears Miami did have interest in bringing in Morant, but was unwilling to take on the two remaining years of his contract, according to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald.
There was no other player available that the Heat viewed as a difference-maker or a player that would be an upgrade over what it has.
There was one exception: Ja Morant. But there was reluctance to take on two years (and $84 million) for a player who has not played more than 67 games in any of his six seasons because of injuries and suspensions. (He’s now sidelined again.) His slender body type (which runs counter to Miami’s preference for point guards) and diminished production couldn’t be ignored, nor could the risk of an extended NBA suspension with another misstep.
With the Heat seemingly anxious to bring in another star player to help the franchise get back on track as one of the elite teams in the Eastern Conference, it’ll be interesting to see what transpires in Miami over the summer, whether it’s going after Morant, Antetokounmpo, or another big-name player around the league.
Tyler Herro Still Has No Timeline for Return
GettyTyler Herro #14 of the Miami Heat
As the dust settles on wheeling and dealing in the NBA, the Heat are still awaiting the return of star guard Tyler Herro, who head coach Erik Spoelstra admits has no set timeline to get back on the floor in Miami.
Erik Spoelstra was asked about a potential update on Tyler Herro and if there is a timeline.
“I don’t have a timeline, but I can tell you he is making progress…” #HeatNation
“I don’t have a timeline, but I can tell you he is making progress and he is doing what he needs to do behind the scenes,” Spolestra said. “We are going to continue to treat him and when there is an update, I will let you know.”
Herro has played in only 11 games during the 2025-26 campaign and is now dealing with a rib injury. He’s played well when healthy this season, averaging 21.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.0 steals per game, while shooting a career-high 49.7 percent from the field, a career-low 35.8 percent from beyond the arc and 90.2 percent from the free-throw line.
Ryan Ward is a longtime credentialed writer covering the NBA and NFL. He has over 15 years of experience in the sports industry from writing, editing, social media management and podcasting. He has covered the Lakers and Raiders for Medium Large Sports, with a previous stint at ClutchPoints. Ward is a Los Angeles native from the United Kingdom, who now resides in Colorado.
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