NBA Trade Rumors: East Playoff Hopefuls Targeted Ja Morant in Bombshell Move Before Giannis Antetokounmpo

Eastern Conference playoff hopefuls Miami Heat have reportedly had internal discussions about trading for Ja Morant. The former All-Star guard has negative value, but it didn't deter the Heat. According to insider Jake Fischer, Miami is confident that its infrastructure could benefit Morant.

The Grizzlies star's production has regressed each year since his breakout season in 2021-22, when he led the team to the Western Conference semifinals. Morant's injuries have also limited his availability, further tanking his trade value.

Here's what Fischer wrote on Heat's interest in Morant:

"Miami was already shaping into a surprising buyer on this trade market even before this week's Giannis headlines. League sources say that the Heat, for example, have had internal discussions about Memphis' Ja Morant and how Miami's infrastructure could benefit him."

NBACentral

@TheDunkCentral

The Miami Heat have discussed a potential trade for Ja Morant, per @JakeLFischer ​“Miami was already shaping into a surprising buyer on this trade market even before this week's Giannis headlines. League sources say that the Heat, for example, have had internal discussions about Memphis' Ja Morant and how Miami's infrastructure could benefit him.”

The Heat haven't made a star acquisition since Jimmy Butler in 2019, whose stint lasted until February this year. They have been linked to top talents like Kevin Durant, Damian Lillard and Bradley Beal, who once dominated the market, but failed to land any of them.

Miami is back in the trade rumor mill with Giannis Antetokounmpo. They have the young assets but may lack the picks to entice the Bucks with a trade package. Ja Morant could be a cheaper alternative.

The “Heat Culture” has helped several players reach their ceilings, most recently Butler, who led them to two NBA Finals and one conference championship in his five years.

---

Miami Heat trade package for Ja Morant

Ja Morant is making $39.5 million this season. The Heat can match his salary. A potential trade package could include Andrew Wiggins and Simone Fontecchio with a second-round pick. Another option could be Tyler Herro going the other way with Fontecchio, but Memphis might have to include a pick instead.

Herro has more value than Morant at this point, so it's unlikely Miami would part ways with him in a potential trade. The Heat have also explored trading Wiggins, 30, who is owed $28.2 million this year and $30.2 million next season.

It would be a massive win for the Heat if such a deal goes through. Morant's floor is lower than most stars his age, but his ceiling could be just as high in the right environment.