Jason Burgos
The Miami Heat making a trade for Ja Morant this summer seems more probable after a pair of new reports this week.
For the fourth straight year, the Heat found themselves playing in the NBA Play-In Tournament. However, unlike the last three times, Miami was unable to navigate the mini-tourney and saw its streak of playoff births end at six this spring.
While they did make the NBA Finals after an improbable run a few years ago, the Heat have had just one 50-plus win season over the last decade. A case could be made that Miami should consider a major roster overhaul and rebuild. Yet, that seems very unlikely for this proud franchise.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Woo, the “tank-averse” franchise is likely to “explore options to improve the team” this summer. While waiting until next summer’s deep free agent class is a possibility, Woo adds they could go star hunting for a player like Giannis Antetokounmpo in the offseason. However, there will be even more suitors this time around compared to before February’s trade deadline.
Miami Heat won’t need to give up 2026 first-rounder for Ja Morant
A trade for the Milwaukee Bucks legend may not leave much left for him to make a title run with. That is why they could go a more affordable route, such as Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant. Woo notes “taking a chance on Morant might become more appealing to franchises left searching for star talent after things shake out” following the NBA Draft.
Miami has a just under 5% chance of landing a game-changing pick in the top four of next month’s event. Chances are, they land around 13, where they can still get a good player. But not one of the elite prospects in this year’s class.
The two-time All-Star’s stock is at a career low because of his off-court drama and inability to stay healthy. He played in just 20 games this season. So they could get him for a package that includes Andrew Wiggins’ expiring contract (if he opts into the final year of his deal). Maybe a sign-and-trade that sends Norman Powell to Memphis. Or a deal that sends a future first-rounder and a couple of second-round picks to the Grizzlies.
Getting Morant and adding him to a team with Tyler Herro, Bam Adebayo, and the player they take in Round 1 next month could lead to a big turnaround for the Heat next season.
