The Miami Heat have “emerged as an attractive option” for Memphis Grizzlies star guard Ja Morant ahead of the Feb. 5 trade deadline, Yahoo Sports’ Kelly Iko wrote Wednesday.
The Minnesota Timberwolves, Sacramento Kings, and Milwaukee Bucks have also shown interest in acquiring Morant, according to multiple league insiders.
Until this week, the Wolves and Kings were recognized as the top suitors for Morant.
Grizzlies Fielding Ja Morant Trade Offers
Iko’s report comes nearly a week after ESPN’s Shams Charania noted the Grizzlies were “entertaining offers” on Morant. Iko said that story “deeply disappointed Morant and his camp.”
The Grizzlies are scheduled for two international games against the Orlando Magic this week, with a Thursday matchup in Berlin followed by another one on Sunday in London.
Morant is expected to meet with his camp about potential trades during that trip, per Iko.
According to Iko, Morant “has a deep respect for Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra,” and the NBA franchise appeals to the two-time All-Star for being a “detail-oriented and structured” organization.
Based on the video below, Morant appears ready to play for a new team.
Just a shootaround here in Berlin, and there is some heat already
Ja Morant vs Vince Williams#Grizzlies #NBAEurope #Memphis #Orlando #Morant pic.twitter.com/cO7YCx4mXg
— Vitalii Volochai #StandWithUkraine (@v1lat) January 14, 2026
Per ESPN’s Bobby Marks, the Heat currently have two tradable first-round picks, in 2030 and 2032, ahead of the deadline. There is a scenario where Miami wouldn’t have to move either of those selections in order to land Morant.
However, the Heat would have to trade former Sixth Man of the Year guard Tyler Herro, who has two years remaining on his current contract, as well as Terry Rozier’s $26.6 million salary.
Rozier’s contract was recently guaranteed amid trade rumors.
If a deal takes place, Miami would move $57.6 million in salary to create cap space for Morant.
Morant Has Dealt With Injuries, Suspensions
League executives believe Morant has negative trade value due to injuries and suspensions, as the Grizzlies star hasn’t appeared in more than 61 games in any of the past four seasons, according to Basketball Reference.
Morant was suspended in November for conduct detrimental to the team after comments he made about the coaching staff, and he also said he had lost some of his joy playing for Memphis.
In addition, Morant has been available for just 18 games this season due to a Grade 1 left calf strain and a right calf contusion. He’s currently averaging career lows in points (19.0) and rebounds (3.2) while shooting just 40.1% from the field and 20.8% from 3-point range.
Per Spotrac, Morant is earning $39.5 million this season and is in the third year of a five-year, $197.2 million contract. He’s slated to earn $42.16 million in 2026-27 and as much as $44.88 million in 2027-28.
