Miami Heat Emerge As Ja Morant Trade Contenders

As the NBA trade deadline looms just days away, the Memphis Grizzlies have set the league abuzz with a string of bold moves and a clear signal: change is coming. On February 3, 2026, Memphis agreed to send star big man Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Utah Jazz, a decision that has sent shockwaves through the Western Conference and all but confirmed the franchise's pivot toward a full-scale rebuild. With Jackson gone, all eyes have turned to Ja Morant, the Grizzlies' electrifying point guard and two-time All-Star, whose future now hangs in the balance as teams across the league circle for a potential blockbuster deal.

The Grizzlies’ trade with Utah was no minor transaction. In exchange for Jackson, along with John Konchar, Jock Landale, and Vince Williams Jr., Memphis received a package featuring Walter Clayton Jr., Kyle Anderson, Taylor Hendricks, Georges Niang, and, perhaps most importantly, three first-round draft picks. Combined with the four first-rounders acquired from Orlando in last summer’s Desmond Bane deal, the Grizzlies now possess a treasure trove of seven first-round picks—prime ammunition for a franchise looking to build for the future. According to multiple reports, this influx of draft capital positions Memphis to rebuild around young talents like Cedric Coward, Zach Edey, Cam Spencer, and Jaylen Wells.

But the biggest question mark remains Ja Morant. The dynamic guard, who has been the face of the Grizzlies since his arrival in 2019, is now firmly on the trade block. Speculation about his next destination has reached a fever pitch, with the Miami Heat emerging as a new and intriguing suitor. As reported by the South Florida Sun Sentinel, Morant is reportedly open to the idea of joining the Heat, and Miami has been linked to him in trade discussions for weeks. An NBA source told the Sun Sentinel, "The Heat could be active on both the Antetokounmpo and Morant fronts ahead of the trade deadline, with decisions on the two not being mutually exclusive."

Miami’s interest in Morant comes at a fascinating juncture. While much of the league’s attention has been focused on the future of Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Heat have quietly been working multiple angles, keeping their options open for both superstars. With the trade deadline set for February 6 at 3 p.m. ET, Miami’s front office appears poised to make a major splash, whether by landing Antetokounmpo, Morant, or perhaps both.

For the Grizzlies, the decision to move Jaren Jackson Jr.—a foundational piece and former All-Star—signals a seismic shift in strategy. The franchise is currently mired in the lottery sector of the Western Conference standings, and injuries have plagued the roster all season long. After snapping a six-game losing streak with a win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on February 2, Memphis is set to face the Sacramento Kings on February 4 in its first game without Jackson—a contest that may offer a glimpse into the team’s future direction.

As for Morant, the rumors swirling around his potential destinations are as numerous as they are tantalizing. While a viral social media post falsely claimed that Morant had already been traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves, no such deal has occurred as of February 3. Still, the Timberwolves are considered a prime potential landing spot, and other teams are undoubtedly monitoring the situation closely. The Sporting News cautioned fans not to fall for hoaxes, but acknowledged that "the Grizzlies do seem ready to move on from Morant after they dealt Jackson to the Jazz."

Within the Memphis organization, opinions differ on the best course of action. Some insiders advocate for trading away big contracts—including Morant’s—in favor of acquiring more cost-controlled deals and supplementing the young core with veteran leadership. Mike Conley Jr., a familiar face and former Grizzlies great now with Minnesota, has been floated as a possible target to mentor the next generation. Others suggest Memphis should pursue young players in need of a fresh start, like Jeremy Sochan of the San Antonio Spurs. But the prevailing sentiment is clear: the Grizzlies’ best move may be to sell high on their remaining stars, stockpile assets, and focus on the upcoming NBA Draft.

Morant’s contract will be a significant factor in any potential deal. The All-Star guard is set to earn $34.9 million this season, with guaranteed increases to $42.2 million next year and $44.9 million in 2027-28, plus a 15% trade kicker. For the Heat, who are already navigating the complexities of the salary cap and luxury tax, acquiring Morant would involve considerable financial risk—especially with Tyler Herro’s extension window opening in July and other key contracts on the books. Miami’s limited draft capital (first-round picks in 2030 and 2032) further complicates negotiations, particularly if the Heat hope to remain in the running for Antetokounmpo as well.

Still, the Heat have a history of pulling off creative deals with Memphis. From the 2020 deadline trade that brought Andre Iguodala, Jae Crowder, and Solomon Hill to South Beach, fueling a run to the NBA Finals, to the massive 2005 offseason deal that delivered Antoine Walker, Jason Williams, and James Posey—sparking the team’s first-ever championship—the franchises have shown a knack for mutually beneficial transactions. As the Heat celebrate the 20th anniversary of that 2006 title, could history be poised to repeat itself with another blockbuster move?

Meanwhile, Miami’s roster remains in flux. Injuries continue to take their toll, with Andrew Wiggins sidelined due to a hamstring issue and Norman Powell out for personal reasons. The Heat also have a crowded backcourt, having locked in Davion Mitchell on a two-year deal and carrying veteran Dru Smith and rookie Kasparas Jakucionis. Whether Morant would be the missing piece or simply add to the logjam is a question only time—and Pat Riley’s front office—can answer.

Back in Memphis, the focus is shifting to the future. With a young core featuring Coward, Edey, Spencer, and Wells, and a war chest of draft picks, the Grizzlies are well positioned for a rebuild. The coming days will determine whether Morant remains the centerpiece of that project or becomes the latest star to exit Beale Street for a new chapter elsewhere. As the trade deadline approaches, one thing is certain: the NBA world will be watching Memphis very, very closely.

With less than 48 hours until the trade window slams shut, anticipation is reaching a fever pitch. Will the Grizzlies pull the trigger on a Ja Morant deal? Will Miami roll the dice and make a franchise-altering move? For now, the only guarantee is that the next chapter in this unfolding saga is just around the corner—and it promises to be a wild ride.