The Miami Heat’s ongoing search for a reliable point guard is no secret, as head coach Erik Spoelstra has resorted to various temporary solutions over the past few seasons.
Now, Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey has proposed a trade that could potentially fill the Heat’s most pressing need. The proposed deal is as follows:
Miami Heat receive: Ja Morant
Memphis Grizzlies receive: Andrew Wiggins, Nikola Jović, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Pelle Larsson, a 2029 first-round pick, and a 2031 first-round pick.
Bailey acknowledges the trade comes with notable risk for Miami, stating, “While it’s a hefty price to pay for a smaller guard with durability concerns, Morant brings superstar potential. This season proved that the current core of Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro isn’t enough to contend at the highest level.”
Morant offers the kind of game-changing talent the Heat have been missing — capable of delivering in clutch moments and elevating a team with his explosiveness. Still, his past off-court issues and injury history raise valid red flags. Team president Pat Riley would need to carefully weigh the gamble of parting with promising young players and future assets for a player whose availability and consistency remain in question.
Heat Advised to Embrace a Down Year
In his June 2 offseason outlook for the Miami Heat, Spotrac salary cap analyst Keith Smith outlined why taking a step back in the short term could actually benefit the franchise in the long run.
“They could realistically enter the summer of 2026 with \$30 to \$40 million in cap space, possibly even more,” Smith noted. “Of course, if the Heat land a star in a trade this offseason, that changes the outlook. But regardless, they’re positioned with solid flexibility depending on the path they choose.”
Smith added that 2025 could be a transitional season for Miami. “This might end up being another down year. But since the Heat own their 2026 first-round pick outright, it wouldn’t be the worst time for a reset. That could allow them to reload with both cap room and a strong draft pick in 2026.”
While team president Pat Riley has historically avoided rebuilds due to his win-now mindset and advancing age, the idea of accepting a temporary setback could, at least on paper, be Miami’s most efficient way back to championship contention.
Heat Urged to Target Russell Westbrook
Bailey Bassett of ClutchPoints recently identified Russell Westbrook as a possible offseason target for the Miami Heat if he becomes available.
“No one would question Westbrook’s effort, intensity, or competitive drive,” Bassett wrote. “Those qualities make him a great free-agent fit for the Heat… He’s unlikely to command more than the veteran minimum, and landing quality players at a bargain is something that should appeal to Miami.”
Westbrook could serve as a reliable short-term answer at point guard, helping bridge the gap until the Heat regain financial flexibility next summer. Given the likelihood of a low-cost deal, his addition would be a low-risk move.
Bringing in Westbrook would arguably be a smarter, more economical move than giving up a haul of assets for someone like Ja Morant. After all, Westbrook performed well for the Denver Nuggets last season and has a strong track record of staying on the court.