As the offseason heats up, the Miami Heat continue to explore opportunities to add another star to their roster. While much of the attention has centered around a possible pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo, another high-profile name has emerged as a potential target. According to a new trade proposal, Miami could look to acquire Memphis Grizzlies star in a move that would significantly reshape its backcourt.
Although Ja Morant is not believed to be Miami’s top trade target, the Heat could still position themselves to pursue the dynamic point guard as they search for an upgrade in the backcourt.
According to CBS Sports’ Sam Quinn, Miami could enter discussions with Memphis regarding a direct trade involving Morant.
Under Quinn’s proposed framework, the Heat would send Tyler Herro and Simone Fontecchio to the Grizzlies in exchange for Morant.
“Very straightforward trade,” Quinn wrote. “The Heat take an upside swing on Morant. The Grizzlies replace him with a more reliable but less talented guard in Herro. Fontecchio is cap filler.”
Speculation has continued to grow that Morant’s time in Memphis could be winding down, and Miami has frequently surfaced as a logical destination for the 26-year-old star.
How the Miami Heat Can Get Morant
Morant is currently playing under a five-year, $197 million contract extension that keeps him under team control through the 2027-28 season. Any team interested in acquiring him would have to absorb a major financial commitment.
His deal also includes a 15% trade kicker, which could further increase his salary upon a trade. However, the combined contracts of Herro and Fontecchio would provide Miami with a workable salary match.
The Heat have made a point of maintaining long-term roster flexibility, placing them in a position to pursue a star-caliber player this summer. Miami has been heavily connected to Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, who remains the organization’s preferred trade target.
Still, if Milwaukee’s demands become too steep, Miami could shift its focus toward alternatives such as Morant.
Unlike a potential Antetokounmpo trade, this proposed deal would not require Miami to part with a large collection of draft picks or young talent. Players such as Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Kel’el Ware could remain part of the team’s future plans.
What a Ja Morant Trade Would Mean for Miami
Landing Morant would likely signal the end of Miami’s pursuit of Antetokounmpo. The Heat front office would then face a significant decision: pursue the proven championship-level impact and two-way dominance of Antetokounmpo at a premium cost, or invest in Morant’s explosive offensive upside while giving up only two players.
Morant will turn 27 later this year, and acquiring him would represent a bet on his prime years alongside Bam Adebayo rather than pursuing the more accomplished Antetokounmpo.
“Do I think Morant necessarily makes sense for Miami? No,” Quinn added. “The Heat are running the very offensive system that Morant seemingly disliked in Memphis last year. But the Heat have been linked to Morant more than perhaps any other team.”
While Morant’s off-court history often draws attention, his injury concerns may be an even bigger issue. Over the last three seasons, he has appeared in just 79 total games, a factor that has reportedly contributed to Memphis considering its options.
Morant is expected to enter next season fully healthy, but questions about his long-term availability could affect Miami’s championship aspirations.
Even so, the Heat may be willing to overlook those concerns if they believe a change of scenery can help him stay healthy. If available, Morant would provide Miami with a high-level scorer and playmaker who many would view as an upgrade over Herro, making the gamble a potentially worthwhile one.