Ja Morant is currently one of the biggest names in the trade market this year. With the NBA trade deadline rapidly approaching, it appears that the Memphis Grizzlies are looking to trade their star guard before the deadline.
One of the teams that is interested is the Miami Heat. Sources suggest that the Heat might be willing to let go of their $120,000,000 star in exchange for Morant.
Heat Looking To Unload Tyler Herro in Exchange for Ja Morant
NBA insider Shams Charania recently revealed that the Grizzlies are now open to trade offers for Morant. This doesn’t come as a shock, considering the issues Ja has had with the team for a few seasons now.
Morant has been suspended on multiple occasions due to his misbehavior. Ja is notorious for his carelessness when it comes to his demeanor and not following the league’s rules.
On top of his issues behind the scenes, he also had a falling out with the team’s coaching staff earlier this season. Morant expressed his frustrations with Grizzlies head coach Tuomas Iisalo due to what he believes is a lack of competence.
Given how Morant’s behavior and issues have become detrimental to the team, the Grizzlies are now ready to move on from the high-flying superstar.
One of the teams that came up in the trade rumors was the Heat. According to sources, Miami could trade Tyler Herro in exchange for Morant. Herro is currently the face of the Heat franchise. Trading a franchise player for a franchise player would make sense.
Sources predicted that if the trade were to come to fruition, the Grizzlies would likely have to throw in a lottery-protected 2029 first-round pick alongside Morant. Herro is currently signed to a four-year, $120 million contract with the Heat.
Looking at both guards’ numbers this season, it seems like a fair trade on paper. Morant is averaging 19.0 points, 7.6 assists, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.0 steals this season. It’s not too far off compared to Herro’s 21.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists.
The Heat would be getting an explosive guard who could easily blend well with Bam Adebayo. Since the departure of Jimmy Butler from the team, Adebayo hasn’t had a solo tandem that could both score and set him up on offense.
Given how Herro isn’t a pass-first type of player, acquiring Morant will solve that problem, giving Miami a good balance between offense and passing.
Meanwhile, the Grizzlies will receive some much-needed improvement in scoring numbers. As of this season, Memphis has been struggling offensively. Bringing in a player like Herro would also help reinforce the team’s perimeter.
