Heat Eyeing Antetokounmpo and Morant Ahead of Trade Deadline
The Miami Heat are reportedly exploring potential trade opportunities for star players Giannis Antetokounmpo and Ja Morant as the NBA trade deadline approaches on Thursday.
Trade Speculation
The Memphis Grizzlies have commenced a rebuilding phase, indicated by their agreement to trade Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Utah Jazz. This significant move positions Ja Morant as a likely next player to be moved.
Morant has expressed openness to relocating to the Heat, a possibility that has been subject to previous speculation.
According to an NBA source, the Heat could pursue both Antetokounmpo and Morant, with decisions regarding one player not precluding action on the other.
Financial and Strategic Considerations
A potential trade for Morant would entail significant financial commitments for the Heat, impacting their salary cap, luxury tax, and tax aprons. Morant's guaranteed contract includes salaries of $34.9 million for the current season, $42.2 million next season, and $44.9 million in 2027-28, in addition to a 15% trade kicker.
These financial obligations, however, could be less than what the Heat might pay current guard Tyler Herro if he is extended. If the Grizzlies' primary goal is to shed Morant's contract, the Heat could facilitate a deal using expiring salaries, such as Terry Rozier's $26.6 million and Simone Fontecchio's $8.3 million.
With limited draft capital, holding only first-round picks in 2030 and 2032, the Heat are strategically evaluating how to deploy these assets, either for Antetokounmpo or for future use. It is anticipated that the Heat will await a resolution regarding Antetokounmpo's situation with the Milwaukee Bucks before finalizing other significant roster changes.
Factors such as Morant's recent injury history and performance trends will influence the team's level of interest. This is combined with the Heat's existing point guard depth, which includes Davion Mitchell, Dru Smith, and Kasparas Jakucionis, all of which will impact the assets they are willing to trade.
Historical Context
The Heat and Grizzlies have a history of trade collaborations. This includes the 2020 deadline deal that brought Andre Iguodala, Jae Crowder, and Solomon Hill to Miami, contributing to their NBA Finals run.
A more significant 2005 offseason deal with Memphis delivered Antoine Walker, Jason Williams, and James Posey, which played a role in the Heat's 2006 NBA championship.