With the NBA trade deadline days away, multiple storylines involving teams and players have continued to make headlines. Among them is the Miami Heat’s effort to reestablish themselves as contenders, with hopes of making a significant move before the 2025-26 season concludes.
Ja Morant, one of the prominent players reportedly seeking a trade, has been linked to Miami. While the Heat and Morant appear to be a logical fit, other organizational priorities may be delaying a decision.
Heat Rumored To Have Passed on Grizzlies’ Ja Morant in Trade Talks
In a recent report on The Stein Line, NBA insider Marc Stein shed some light on the Heat’s trade situation, linking them to Morant and a possible change of plans as they pursue Milwaukee Bucks icon Giannis Antetokounmpo.
While Morant has been reported to be on the trade market, Antetokounmpo, who has long been viewed as loyal to the Bucks, has been rumored to be on his way out after disappointing playoff performances.
Even though the Heat could capitalize on Morant’s low trade value and continue their rebuild, they might see Antetokounmpo as the bigger prize worth chasing.
“One well-placed league source insisted to me that the Heat should be scratched as a Morant suitor — even if the terms are favorable — if such a move jeopardizes a future trade run at Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo,” Stein wrote.
However, the 2021 NBA champion might not be traded before the Feb. 5 deadline.
“As we’ve often warned readers previously, that won’t stop interested teams from continuing to plot future pursuits of The Greek Freak,” Stein continued. “And word is that Miami believes it will be firmly in the mix as a legit trade destination for Antetokounmpo if he actually becomes available at season’s end — at last — as various rival teams project.”
Antetokounmpo is currently signed to a four-year, $175,369,698 contract with the Bucks.
Teams Are Lining Up to Wait For Antetokounmpo’s Availability as NBA Trade Deadline Approaches
While the Heat might switch tactics to pursue Antetokounmpo, NBA insider Zach Lowe revealed that multiple teams are closely monitoring his situation.
“The Hawks, the Warriors, the Lakers, the Heat, maybe the Knicks that are sort of thinking to themselves do we need to keep all of our stuff and wait for Giannis to may be become available whether it’s now or in the summer…” Lowe said.
The report added that if Giannis does choose to trade in February, it’ll be the biggest story in the NBA today.
Antetokounmpo is currently averaging 28.8 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game while shooting 64.7% from the field.
