Memphis is just over 1,000 miles and 15 hours away from Miami (two hours if you’re leaving from Memphis International Airport). That’s all that separates 26-year-old point guard Ja Morant from where he probably wants to be. Where he perhaps needs to be. On that note, “there have been preliminary discussions between” the Miami Heat and Memphis Grizzlies “regarding Morant’s availability,” according to the Miami Herald reporter Anthony Chiang.

“Those talks have not yet escalated and a deal is not imminent, with a source characterizing the Heat’s link to Morant as ‘premature,’” Chiang adds. In spite of that, Yahoo Sports insider Kelly Iko reports that Morant views Miami as “an attractive option” due to their infrastructure. Reading between the lines, South Beach is actually his preferred trade destination. The South Carolina native being listed as “an executor of a trust” (h/t Damichael Cole and Lucas Finton of The Commercial Appeal) that purchased a $3.2 million home in Miami two days before Christmas only fuel to that speculation.

Is Writing Really On Wall For Grizzlies-Heat Ja Morant Trade?

It usually takes two to tango but, in this situation, it’ll take three. Regardless of how Morant feels, the Grizzlies and the Heat have to believe the trade packages they receive in the deal will truly be beneficial to their respective franchise. There are reasons to believe that this is where the hang-up will occur.

For Miami, Morant is undeniably an upgrade from their current crop of point guards. At least, that’s the case when he’s playing up to his potential. Firmly in what should be his physical prime age-wise, he’s already a multi-time All-Star. More importantly, he’s a potent scorer and natural floor general with optimal athleticism.

Due to his injuries, inconsistency, inappropriate behavior and impending free agency, the Heat may ask for a trade sweetener though. This may be in the form of draft capital, where Miami’s a little light in the wallet. They could also seek out another starter-level player.

Addition By Subtraction

For Memphis, trading Morant might be considered addition by subtraction in and of itself.

Right now, there’s a viral video spreading across social media that shows the former second overall pick having a verbal spat with Vince Williams Jr., who has started multiple games in place of Morant this season. In the clip, Morant allegedly tells Williams that he doesn’t want to associate with his current teammates, in a manner of speaking. Williams attempts to escalate the situation by telling Morant “let’s go to the back,” presumably to fight. Staffers that were near the scene were wary.

Altercations between players are not uncommon. Yet, Morant already has a tense relationship with the head coach. Now that he’s also at odds with some of his teammates, it’s become a ‘me or them’ situation.

Will The Trade Offer Be Good Enough?

Prior to 2023-24, the Grizzlies brass may have decided that riding with Morant was the clear choice. However, his play and unavailability over the past three seasons has left a lot to be desired. His bratty behavior hasn’t just been a spectacle but an indictment of his leadership ability.

All the same, Memphis might prefer to give it another go with Morant before they just give him away. His trade value doesn’t figure to be all too different from Trae Young. Last week, the Atlanta Hawks dealt to the Washington Wizards in exchange for just CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert, who both come off their bench. Keep in mind that Young is a four-time All-Star; that’s four more All-Star selections than McCollum and Kispert have combined.

On top of that, two of Morant’s other suitors (the Minnesota Timberwolves and Sacramento Kings) not expected to make “an aggressive move” for him, per Bleacher Report insider Jake Fischer (h/t Ryan Yousefi of Miami New Times). In fact, there isn’t expected to be “a robust market” for Morant, Fischer adds. In essence, though multiple teams have a level of interest in him, the Heat could all but be bidding against themselves. Obviously, that would only diminish the likelihood that they make an especially strong offer for him.