Kelly Iko of Yahoo Sports reported on Wednesday morning that the Heat have "quickly emerged as an attractive option" for Ja Morant. Last week, ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania reported that the Memphis Grizzlies were "entertaining offers" for the 26-year-old. Perhaps a trade to Miami will come to fruition.
Charania did write that the team is "open" to continuing with Morant as a "focal part of their retooling," but like with Trae Young and the Hawks, it feels like the guard's time in Memphis is coming to an end.
Iko wrote that whenever Charania's report broke, Morant and his camp were "deeply disappointed," as he hadn't requested a trade himself. That's understandable, as Memphis has been his only NBA home, and the city means a lot to him. He means a lot to the city, too. But it seems like he's come to terms with the reality of the situation and is looking ahead to where he could end up next.
The Heat have missed out on star trade targets over the past several years. Remember when Damian Lillard specifically said he wanted to go to Miami, but he ended up in Milwaukee instead? Memphis is under no obligation to do what Ja wants, assuming the Heat are his top choice, but that trade could easily happen.
The Heat are reportedly an 'attractive option' for Ja Morant
Iko listed a few reasons as to why Morant is drawn to Miami, citing the Heat as "one of the NBA's most detail-oriented and structured organizations," which is "a major aspect of development" that appeals to the guard. He also has a "deep respect" for head coach Erik Spoelstra, who is the new coach for Team USA. Ja wants to represent the United States at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Miami could seize the opportunity to "buy low" on Morant, bringing him to South Beach in hopes of it becoming a long-term home for him. The Heat currently sit No. 8 in the East with a 21-19 record, and assuming that Ja will be healthy for the second half of the season (he hasn't played since January 2 with a calf strain), he could help them make a playoff run in a "weakened" conference.
Minnesota also needs a point guard, and Milwaukee could go after Morant in an effort to keep Giannis Antetokounmpo happy, but the more you think about it, the more that Miami makes sense. There isn't a slew of teams lining up to make offers for Ja, giving the Heat an upper hand.
By the time the dust settles after the trade deadline in three weeks, Morant could be starting the next step of his career in Miami. It could be the reset that he needs as he looks to rebuild his reputation as one of the top guards in the league.