The Miami Heat are in a period of transition right now, moving on from Jimmy Butler over the winter for a smattering of assets which helps them in the future as well as compete right now. The franchise will likely pivot to a new star as soon as they can, with a potential fit hitting the market soon.
The Memphis Grizzlies could explore trade talks centered around star point guard Ja Morant. Morant has had availability issues for years and the franchise may take a bold step akin to the Dallas Mavericks and move on from him while his value is still high and he's under contract.
If the Grizzlies were to look at a potential future home for Morant, the Heat would be a perfect next destination.
Trade Details
Miami Heat Receive: Ja Morant, Brandon Clarke, John Konchar
Atlanta Hawks Receive: Andrew Wiggins, Terry Rozier, Kel'el Ware, Pelle Larsson, 2025 First-Round Pick (GSW), 2029 First-Round Pick (MIA)
The Heat land a future franchise piece alongside two rotational players while paying a very heavy price. Not only do they lose two first-round picks, with one potentially conveying in the 2025 Draft Lottery, they also lose talented youngster Kel'el Ware and Pelle Larsson. It’s a big bet to take on Morant, but one the Heat can afford right now.
The Heat Land A Franchise Cornerstone
The Heat have built a track record over the last 20 years which shows they continually attract top talent to the franchise based on their organizational principles and the fact that Miami is one of the most glamorous cities in the NBA. They might have Heat culture, but it won't be long before they splash for an available star which can set the franchise up for championship contention.
Morant is averaging 20.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 7.4 assists this season. He has proven his value as a winning player since his first NBA season. The Grizzlies have competed for the Playoffs in every season he's been healthy and he's a genuine difference-maker on the court.
His talents seem to be forgotten after his off-court controversies and long absences due to injuries and suspension, but the Heat are well-suited to maximize his talent.
Brandon Clarke is a solid rotation big man, averaging 7.9 points and 5.0 rebounds this season. John Konchar is averaging 2.6 points and 3.6 rebounds, but is an affordable 3-and-D option under a long-term contract.
Morant would create an extremely potent backcourt alongside Tyler Herro with Bam Adebayo in the middle. This move should encourage Adebayo's jumper to continue to develop as he'll have to leave the lane open to help Morant succeed. Given the flashes we've seen from Bam in this respect, it won't be surprising if he can finally complete his evolution and be the anchor of a dynamic trio with Herro and Morant.
Grizzlies Get A Haul And Stay Competitive
The Grizzlies have proven over this season that they're not necessarily reliant on Ja Morant to be the team's ultimate savior on the court. Even with Desmond Bane's regression, the team has been a competitive No. 2 seed all season, primarily due to Jaren Jackson Jr. leading the team on both ends. Taylor Jenkins has put a competitive DNA in place that could be sustained even when Morant is out.
Andrew Wiggins is averaging 17.3 points and 4.6 rebounds this season. While he'd have a half-season stint with the Heat under his belt, the Grizzlies might be the ideal long-term destination for Wiggins as there's a clear need for a 3-and-D small forward on the franchise. Rozier is averaging 12.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.9 assists, providing major guard minutes with Ja's departure.
Kel'el Ware might be the biggest get in this deal. He's averaging 8.6 points and 5.8 rebounds this season, emerging as a dynamic two-way big man who can make and block shots with ease. If he lives up to his potential, he could be a star big man in the NBA. Pelle Larsson's ceiling isn't as high as Ware's, he could be a competitive NBA player for years to come.
These four players, alongside the pick-haul they're receiving, makes this a hard-to-refuse offer.
A Deal With Two Sides
This deal is contingent on the Grizzlies believing they don't need Morant to win long-term. If that is the case, the Heat land a 25-year-old franchise star for a reasonable price and can build a contender around him. They also retain key pieces like Herro and Adebayo, although they'll have to figure out the rest of their roster. They only give up one of their own controlled picks in this deal, so they'll have more assets.
Memphis can continue building a team-oriented structure with Jackson as the centerpiece, with additions like Ware and Wiggins potentially providing instant game-winning value. It might not bring them closer to a championship next season, but it allows them to build a more sustainable roster which is better suited to contention, especially with the franchise going 14-8 without Morant this season.
