Latest Ja Morant Trade Rumors on Heat, Most 'Attractive' Landing Spot for Grizzlies Star

The Miami Heat have "emerged as an attractive option" for Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant amid reports he could be hitting the trade block this winter, Yahoo Sports' Kelly Iko wrote Wednesday.

The Miami Herald's Anthony Chiang added the Heat and Grizzlies have had "preliminary discussions" but talks have "not escalated." Chiang subsequently reported that a deal is not imminent and that one source labeled the "Heat's link to Morant as 'premature.'"

The Minnesota Timberwolves, Sacramento Kings and Milwaukee Bucks have also shown interest in Morant, according to Iko.

The report comes five days after ESPN's Shams Charania reported the Grizzlies were "entertaining offers" on Morant ahead of the Feb. 5 deadline.

According to Iko, that news "deeply disappointed Morant and his camp."

The Grizzlies are slated for two international games against the Orlando Magic this week, with a Thursday matchup in Berlin followed by a Sunday contest in London.

Morant plans to meet with his camp about potential trades during that trip, according to Iko.

According to Iko, the Heat's reputation as a "detail-oriented and structured" organization appeals to Morant.

Iko also wrote that Morant "has a deep respect for Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra" and hopes to play for him and Team USA during the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Morant will be looking to bounce back from a down start to the 2025-26 season with whichever team he is playing for down the stretch.

The point guard, who has been available for just 28 games this season due to injuries most recently including a right calf contusion, is currently averaging career lows in points (19), rebounds (3.2) while shooting just 40.1 percent from the field and 20.8 percent from deep.

Iko reported Wednesday, however, that Morant is "is hopeful of securing a max extension by next summer." At that point, Morant will be eligible to sign an extension worth up to three years and $178 million.

Morant is currently signed through the 2027-28 season. He is owed about $86 million over the last two years of his deal and will receive a 15 percent trade bonus if moved, according to Spotrac.

The Heat currently have two tradable first-round picks, in 2030 and 2032, ahead of the deadline. NBA insider Zach Lowe recently speculated on Monday's episode of The Zach Lowe Show that Miami wouldn't have to move either of those selections in order to acquire Morant.

"The Miami trade is more like [Tyler] Herro, and dead money, and not much more than that," Lowe said.

Moving Herro, who has two years remaining on his current contract, alongside Terry Rozier's deal would theoretically allow the Heat to move out $57.6 million in salary and make enough room to bring in Morant.

The Heat are currently sitting at No. 8 in the Eastern Conference following a 21-19 start to the season. The franchise could ultimately take a swing on Morant if they feel the guard, by staying healthy down the stretch, could help the team improve ahead of a potential playoff run.