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Amid speculation about Ja Morant’s potential exit from the Memphis Grizzlies, one team has emerged as a potential trade landing spot for the former All-Star.
Per NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Miami Heat “have had internal discussions about” Morant, including “how Miami’s infrastructure could benefit him.”
Morant’s name has been swirling in trade rumors since early on in the season, when he was suspended for conduct detrimental to the team following comments he made about the Grizzlies’ coaching.
After Morant’s comments about Memphis’ coaching staff, “voices were raised” in the locker room and head coach Tuomas Iisalo “singled Morant out for his lack of effort and leadership,” per Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints.com.
Upon returning from the suspension, Morant revealed he doesn’t have any joy playing for Memphis.
HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto reported last month that rival executives “circled like vultures” to check in on whether Morant was available for a trade, but the Grizzlies had declined all trade inquiries up to that point. Scotto added that Morant is being “carefully monitored” by opposing teams.
Morant has been far from the best version of himself this year, putting up 17.9 points and 7.6 assists per game on 35.9 percent from the field and a lackluster 16.7 percent from deep.
He hasn’t played since Nov. 15 because of a right calf strain he suffered against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Given his early struggles and his recent injury, it’s hard to gauge just how much trade value Morant has, but a report last week from ESPN’s Tim MacMahon and Bobby Marks revealed that he may not have much.
MacMahon and Marks spoke to a handful of people around the NBA, and the general feeling among those asked about Morant was concern.
“The combination of pain in the ass, injury prone, not that good anymore and big contract is a bad one,” an East executive said, adding that he “wouldn’t want Morant on his roster regardless of salary.”
At his best, Morant is an All-Star-level player capable of being the best player on a playoff team, but it’s hard to judge whether he’s still that player. Trading for Morant could be a risky move for the Heat, but it could pay off if he returns to his typical level of play.