The Miami Heat kicked the tires on a potential trade for Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant - but ultimately chose to steer clear. According to league sources, Miami made an exploratory call to Memphis weeks ago, but after internal discussions, the front office decided not to pursue a deal.
The reasons? A combination of Morant’s hefty contract and his growing injury history.
And so, Morant stays put in Memphis - at least for the rest of the season - while the Heat stood pat at the trade deadline, becoming the only team in the Eastern Conference not to make a move.
Let’s unpack the decision.
Why the Heat Backed Off
There’s no denying Morant’s talent. He’s a two-time All-Star, a former Rookie of the Year, and one of the most explosive guards in the league when healthy.
But that’s the catch - when healthy. Over six seasons, Morant has never played more than 67 games in a single campaign.
Between injuries and suspensions, availability has been a recurring concern. He played just nine games last season, 50 the year before, and only 20 so far this year.
His current absence is due to an ulnar collateral ligament sprain in his left elbow - another setback in a growing list.
Then there’s the financial side. Morant is earning $39.4 million this season, with that number climbing to $42.1 million next year and $44 million in the final year of his deal in 2027-28. That’s a significant cap commitment for a player with durability questions - especially for a Heat team already navigating a tight salary structure.
Memphis Was Listening - But Asking for the Future
The Grizzlies, for their part, were open to offers. Morant doesn’t have a no-trade clause, and Memphis entertained calls from around the league.
But the asking price was steep: draft capital and young talent. That’s a tough ask for any team, let alone one like Miami that’s trying to stay competitive while also managing aging stars and limited draft assets.
Morant has shown flashes this season when he’s been on the floor. In 20 games, he’s averaging 19.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 8.1 assists per game.
The shooting numbers are a mixed bag - 41.0% from the field, a rough 23.5% from deep, but a strong 89.7% from the line. It’s clear the talent is still there, but the rhythm and consistency haven’t been.
At 26, Morant is still in his prime. He was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2019 draft and has career averages of 22.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 7.4 assists.
His best postseason run came in 2022, when he helped lead Memphis to the second round. But since then, injuries and off-court issues have slowed his trajectory - and clearly gave Miami pause.
Where Things Stand Now
The Grizzlies, sitting 11th in the West, already made a significant move by trading Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Utah Jazz. With Morant sidelined and the team looking toward the future, Memphis seems to be pivoting toward a reset - or at least a retool.
Meanwhile, the Heat are holding onto the seventh seed in the East. By not making a move at the deadline, they’re signaling confidence in their current roster - or perhaps waiting for the buyout market to shake loose a potential contributor. Either way, they chose not to roll the dice on Morant, a player with undeniable upside but plenty of question marks.
In the end, the Heat’s decision wasn’t about talent - it was about timing, fit, and risk. And for now, that means Ja Morant remains a Grizzly.