MIAMI — The trade deadline is fast approaching. The Miami Heat are being linked with a move for Ja Morant. The South Florida ball club has expressed interest instead in prioritizing cap space in 2028. They currently project to have few contracts on their books.
Why The Heat Are Making A Costly Ja Morant Mistake
The Heat have played about average this season. They currently sit eighth with a 22-20 record. They have largely achieved success by owning a top-10 defense, ranked seventh. Their offense has trailed all season. It remains below average and lacks firepower, ranking 19th.
Herro’s Injuries And Trade Complications
Their usual leading scorer, Tyler Herro, has struggled with injuries. He has appeared in only 10 games. He’s missed time with a toe injury. This injury has a history of making guards look like shadows of themselves.
Like Darius Garland in Cleveland, Herro looks like a shadow of his former self. That form earned him an All-Star spot in 2024-25. He averages about 19 points, five rebounds, and four assists. He appears to be the odd one out in a trade for Morant. Pat Riley remains unwilling to part with first-round picks or young talent.
NBA insider Jake Fischer noted that Riley would not let a past relationship between Noah LaRoche and Morant get in the way. That relationship would not block the Heat from landing the star guard. The deal becomes even more convoluted. Morant recently purchased a mansion in Florida near the Heat’s facility.
Morant’s Situation And Contract Concerns
Shams Charania’s revelation suggests the team is ready to move on. Memphis appear ready to move on from their 2019 lottery pick.
Morant’s status and potential to revive his explosiveness could give Miami a chance to contend. However, the Heat appear to view Ja Morant’s long-term contract as a hindrance. They see it as an obstacle to their bigger summer plans. “They have been laser focused on avoiding taking on money for the 27-28 offseason… It’s highly unlikely the Heat would deviate from that plan to go after Morant,” ESPN reported.
The Heat interest in Ja Morant has been overstated and it is “highly unlikely” they would trade for him, per @espn
“They have been laser focused on avoiding taking on money for the 27-28 offseason… It’s highly unlikely the Heat would deviate from that plan to go after Morant.” pic.twitter.com/754yx3Rv6x
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) January 16, 2026
The Heat are preparing to be big spenders in the 2027 offseason. Excluding Bam Adebayo, the Heat will have several unrestricted free agents after next season. Meanwhile, Morant is tied to another $87 million over the next two years. He also expects a max extension next summer.
While young and electric, Morant comes with issues. He has faced several off-court controversies. Earlier this season, the team suspended him after an argument with head coach Tuomas Iisalo. Morant averages 19 points this season. He shoots a career-low 40.1 percent from the field. Morant’s contract aligns financially for now. But not for long.
Why Miami Should Rethink This Path
The Heat would have enough cap space to add more than one star. For the 2027-28 season, they have just $82 million committed in salaries. Donovan Mitchell previously showed interest in Miami. Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo will both hold player options. Jokic is unlikely to leave Denver. Giannis’ situation in Milwaukee may end by this offseason.
Miami must rethink this approach. They can turn an asset they know well in Herro into Morant. Herro’s ceiling currently looks like a first-round playoff exit. Morant offers explosive upside at his peak. Miami would be buying low on a star. They have done that before with Jimmy Butler, with success. The Heat culture is superior enough to counteract the excesses of Morant.
Morant may not reach Butler’s heights in Miami. He still raises the team’s short-term ceiling. As an expiring contract in 2027-28, Miami could move him easily. They could preserve cap flexibility for 2027 while still chasing wins now.
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