New NBA Trade Rumors on Ja Morant, Kawhi Leonard's Heat Links amid Giannis Buzz

The Miami Heat could consider pivoting to pursuit of another star player should they fail to acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel's Ira Winderman said in a Wednesday appearance on 104.3 WQAM.

Winderman said he feels the Heat are "primed to make a deal" due to an abundance of young players including Nikola Jovic, Pelle Larsson and Kasparas Jakucionis.

"Honestly, if they get a signal it's not going to be Giannis, I think they explore Kawhi [Leonard]. I think they explore Ja [Morant]," Winderman said. "You can't get stale, especially in this market."

The Bucks "seriously considered" the Heat's trade offer for Antetokounmpo ahead of the February deadline, ESPN's Shams Charania previously reported.

That offer was built around Tyler Herro and Kel'el Ware alongside "other players and multiple draft picks and pick swaps."

Bucks ownership ultimately decided "the best move would be to hold on to Antetokounmpo and receive better offers in the summer," according to Charania.

The Heat have three movable first-round picks to offer in a trade, including the No. 13 selection in the 2026 draft as well as first-rounders in 2031 and 2033, per ESPN's Bobby Marks.

Miami also has pick swap rights from 2029 to 2033, and Winderman reported Wednesday the Heat would be willing to trade any player other than Bam Adebayo.

It remains to be seen whether those assets could help the Heat win in what could be a crowded trade market for Antetokounmpo. The 31-year-old was reportedly pursued at the February deadline by teams including the Minnesota Timberwolves, Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, New York Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers, per ESPN's Shams Charania.

The Heat could have a better shot at acquiring Leonard or Morant should they hit the trade market this offseason.

Morant's trade cost could be relatively low after injuries limited him to just 20 games last season, marking the second time in three years he's sat out most of a campaign for the Grizzlies. Leonard's value could be impacted both by his expiring contract and the fact that he's heading into his age-35 season.

NBA insider Marc Stein said in January the Memphis Grizzlies were looking for "at least" a first-round pick for Morant, while The Athletic's Law Murray recently reported the Clippers would likely prioritize better players over better draft picks in a deal for Leonard.

Team president Pat Riley said after his team missed out on the postseason following a play-in loss that the Heat planned to be "aggressive as hell" this offseason.

Should the Bucks continue rejecting the Heat's offers for Antetokounmpo, that could potentially involve trading for another star this offseason.