A new rumor is pushing the Miami Heat towards a trade this summer for the star they need, but it's not Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The Heat are certain to see roster changes this offseason. While they were linked to several trades before the February deadline, the front office took a conservative approach and did not make any meaningful changes to the roster. They had to pay the price for this.
They barely made it to this year's NBA Play-ins. In their first game of the tournament, they faced a red-hot Charlotte Hornets team and were defeated late in the fourth quarter. But they lost their lead and lost in overtime. The loss means Miami will miss playoff basketball for the first time since 2019. This won't happen in South Beach.
Many will expect the Heat to push hard to trade for unhappy Milwaukee Bucks veteran Antetokounmpo this summer. However, it would be an expensive deal, and mortgaging the future is a serious risk for a 31-year-old whose body is breaking down after 13 seasons in the NBA and multiple playoff trips. However, there may soon be a better option.
Ja Morant's time in Memphis has unofficially ended
On Thursday, ESPN's Tim McMahon and Michael C. Wright reported that Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant has reportedly "told players around the league and some of his former coaches that he is no longer playing for Memphis." A major factor is his hard feelings toward the organization and some of his teammates, who he feels have ostracized him when he was suspended by the NBA three seasons ago.
There is certainly risk in acquiring Morant. He has suffered even more injuries than Antetokounmpo over the past few seasons, and there are questions about character. However, he is 26 years old, and reports last year claimed that some inside the Heat organization believed they could get him back to All-Star form with the help of their culture.
Additionally, with his trade value being lower, he will come at a much more reasonable rate. And with contracts locked in, Miami may not be forced to make money favors by giving up key players. If they can keep Tyler Herro out of the trade, the trio of him, Morant and Bam Adebayo could be a big problem in the East next season.
Miami is an organization that thinks long term. Antetokounmpo will be looking for an even bigger contract over the next few years while on a career decline. While Morant needs fixing, he has the potential to be a big star and a core member of their team for the next decade. He feels like he is a better fit for them.
