The Memphis Grizzlies are struggling to find trade partners for Ja Morant. According to reports, teams want the Grizzlies to attach picks to Morant so they can absorb the remaining two years of his contract, which is an $86.9 million commitment. Once regarded as one of the best active point guards, Morant’s stock has crashed due to off-court troubles, injuries and a dip in form.
Last season, he averaged 19.5 points and 8.1 assists, on career-low shooting splits of 41.0% from the field and 23.5% from three-point range. Amid reports about the Grizzlies’ issues in finding a new home for Morant, NBA insider Kevin O’Connor predicted that a buyout could be possible. He added that the Miami Heat should sign him in that case, as it’s one landing spot that makes the most sense for the former All-Star.
“The team that makes the most sense for Ja is Miami,” O’Connor wrote on X on Friday.
“They have organizational stability and a clear need for shot creation after trading away so many ball handlers in the Giannis deal. Morant is worth the swing and could be a dynamic fit with Giannis.“One big problem: The Heat don’t have salaries that work financially for Ja (unless they give up Andrew Wiggins and Nikola Jovic, which would be dumb for Miami). If the Heat even want Morant, the odds are they’re hoping for a buyout. Maybe the buyout scenario is exactly where we are headed. But given the flashes Morant showed the last time he was on the court, he could end up a steal.”
O’Connor defended Morant by citing an eight-game stretch in December from last year. In that span, Morant’s numbers matched his All-Star season stats. He averaged 28.5 ppg per 36 minutes, with a true shooting average of 58.7%. In his All-Star years, Morant’s true shooting percentage was 56.6%, while he averaged 29.6 ppg per 36 minutes.
In the same eight-game span in December, he shot 5.0% better at the rim than his All-Star seasons, while his efficiency from midrange and three-point line dropped by 2.0% and 3.0%, respectively.
The Heat are probably the only team that can revive Ja Morant’s career, given their culture and system. Trades for polarising players like Morant in the past have worked wonders, with Jimmy Butler being the most recent example. He led them to two NBA finals runs, including one as an eighth seed in 2023.
As good as Ja Morant could be on the Heat, Miami shouldn’t trade for him
The Heat and Ja Morant would be a great fit if things align. However, Miami shouldn’t force a trade. The team has exhausted most of its resources and flexibility after trading Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kel’el Ware and three first-round picks to the Milwaukee Bucks for Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Miami could also struggle to retain Norman Powell in free agency. A trade to acquire Morant will likely include Andrew Wiggins and Nikola Jovic, which doesn’t make sense. Wiggins is their best 3-and-D player available, while Jovic could be a trade asset in another deal, which could get Miami multiple players in return.
Moreover, the Heat would end up allotting over 90% of their cap to Ja Morant, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo. However, if a buyout opportunity arises, Miami should be among the first teams to get on a call with Morant’s camp.
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