The Miami Heat have started off the season decently well at 6-4, but they are still missing the crucial component of a star player. Ever since they parted ways with Jimmy Butler III, they have lacked that centerpiece.
Even though the season has just started, the opportunity to acquire that centerpiece is right there for the Heat to acquire Butler’s replacement. Not just because they want to be a contender again, but because they have rolled this dice before and it’s worked.
Which NBA Star Could the Heat Acquire?
The one star who has recently emerged as a trade candidate is Ja Morant, who has had a turbulent start to the season.
The South Florida Sun’s Ira Winderman discussed the possibility of the Heat acquiring Morant following the turmoil currently unfolding in Memphis. During Winderman’s appearance on SiriusXM NBA Radio, Winderman was asked about whether the Heat are a potential landing spot for Morant, and he didn’t mince words.
“Yes, yes, and yes, because that’s who Pat Riley is,” Winderman said. “It’s Pat Riley’s home for distressed players, and I will take this back to 1996. Tim Hardaway’s taken out of the starting lineup by Rick Adelman (in Golden State_. He’s got his bum knees, his career is over, he’s a short player. Who would take a chance on him? Boom, (Miami).”
“It’s Pat Riley’s home for distressed players”😂@IraHeatBeat tells @TheFrankIsola & @Scalabrine the Heat could be a good landing spot for Ja Morant. pic.twitter.com/gX6Wqvy3sP
— SiriusXM NBA Radio (@SiriusXMNBA) November 7, 2025
The Heat didn’t win a title with Hardaway, but acquiring him proved to be a pretty smart move, as they had made the most noise in franchise history upon acquiring him (at the time). No one is saying Morant is done, like many thought Hardaway was back in the ’90s. But it does seem apparent that he needs a change of scenery.
The Heat have managed to get some fantastic results from the stars they’ve acquired over the years. From Shaquille O’Neal to LeBron James to Butler, the Heat have more often than not been considered a real threat with them.
Morant might not currently be considered on the same level as they were, but Erik Spoelstra has a reputation for elevating the players on the Heat’s roster. Morant would be a project, but let’s not forget that he was one of the NBA’s most promising players only a few years ago and is still only 26 years old.
Currently, there have been no indications that Morant wants out of Memphis, but it’s becoming a growing concern that he has become a problem for the Grizzlies. Miami has a reputation for rehabilitating fallen stars. If and when Morant and Memphis have a falling out, expect the Heat to knock on the door, and if they get their hands on him, to reap the rewards once they do.
