The NBA trade market rarely stays quiet for long, and this midseason window is proving no different. After Trae Young’s unexpected move from Atlanta to Washington, the spotlight has shifted toward another electric guard. Ja Morant.Memphis is not openly shopping its franchise star, but league chatter suggests the Grizzlies are at least open to conversations. In today’s NBA, that alone is enough to spark serious interest.
The Miami Heat are paying close attention. Miami has built a reputation for staying aggressive without panicking, and Morant fits the profile of a player who could reshape their offense overnight. His speed, creativity, and star appeal are hard to ignore. Still, this is not a straightforward pursuit, especially with other factors hovering over the front office.
That factor is Giannis Antetokounmpo. While Giannis has repeatedly expressed loyalty to the Milwaukee Bucks, his long-term future is never far from speculation. Even without an active trade request, his name alone is enough to slow down rival plans across the league.
“If I were Miami, I would offer Terry Rozier expiring and maybe Davion Mitchel… Do I want to give up a future first? But what happens if Giannis eventually becomes available?
The Giannis factor changes the math
ESPN salary cap expert Bobby Marks added fuel to the discussion when he broke down a possible Miami approach. Marks suggested that if the Heat wanted to engage the Memphis Grizzlies, a package centered around Terry Rozier’s expiring deal and Davion Mitchell could make sense, with a protected future first-round pick as a sweetener.
The hesitation comes from what that future pick represents. Marks pointed out that Giannis would never ask to be traded, meaning any movement would have to come from Milwaukee itself. That places added importance on the 2026 offseason, a moment many front offices are quietly monitoring. For Miami, committing too many assets now could limit flexibility later.
Financial realities also play a major role. According to Spotrac projections, Miami is already operating near the luxury tax and first apron. Adding Giannis at over $54 million per season would be extremely difficult without tearing apart the roster. Morant’s contract, closer to $39 million, is far more workable but still demands outgoing salary.
The Heat already carry significant deals for Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro, Andrew Wiggins, and others. Any Morant trade would likely require moving Rozier and Mitchell, with Norman Powell potentially included to keep the books balanced. The numbers stack up quickly, leaving little room for error.
Miami now faces a familiar dilemma. Ja Morant offers a realistic, immediate upgrade within financial limits. Giannis remains the dream scenario, powerful but uncertain. How the Heat balance ambition with patience could decide whether Morant becomes their next cornerstone or simply another name in the rumor cycle.
