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The Miami Heat, at 3-3, are comfortably in a playoff position in the Eastern Conference. They boast one of the best offenses in the NBA and play incredibly fast, offering a refreshing break from the standard, albeit effective, style Erik Spoelstra has long preached. The fact that Miami is finding success even without Tyler Herro can’t be ignored. Bam Adebayo looks to be back at an All-Star level, and Norman Powell, despite injury, hasn’t lost a step from last season. Even after Herro returns, the Heat won’t have a true point guard. Ja Morant has seemingly hit the trade market, and his value has never been lower. Miami has the means to land him, but there is internal strife that might prevent a trade. Miami Heat Could Trade for Ja Morant Morant’s value is apparent. Over the last five seasons, he has averaged 25.5 points, 7.4 assists, and 5.2 rebounds. However, between injuries and suspensions, he hasn’t been the picture of reliability. Still, in an effort to compete, Pat Riley and the Heat might be swayed to land him. “The Heat are the top, and in many ways the only, logical place for Morant to end up,” declared Sports Illustrated’s Liam McKeone on November 3rd. “Miami no longer has a franchise cornerstone to pair with Bam Adebayo after Jimmy Butler forced his way out last season. The Heat have plenty of assets in terms of tradeable contracts and a few first-round picks to offer. All that combined with Pat Riley’s penchant for pursuing the biggest names on the market would lead to the Heat being a top contender for Morant.” Morant will make $39.4 million this season and is under contract for the next three years. The Heat have ample draft capital to land him, and can match his salary with any combination of Herro, Powell, Andrew Wiggins, Davion Mitchell, or Simone Fontecchio. Miami has a track record of chasing after stars, and South Florida offers the environment on and off the court where Morant could thrive. Of course, he wouldn’t come cheap, and the Heat would lose at least one key player. Plus, Morant might not even want to play under a certain Heat figure. Ja Morant Would Have to Put Aside Personal Issues The Heat’s new, up-tempo offense is the brainchild of Noah LaRoche, a trainer, coach, and consultant who used to work with the Memphis Grizzlies. Apparently, he was run out of Memphis at the behest of none other than Morant himself. “The Heat have gotten off to a hot start this year, running an offense designed in part by consultant Noah LaRoch,” McKeone pointed out. “LaRoche was in Memphis last season when Taylor Jenkins got fired in part because Morant wasn’t a fan of LaRoche’s offensive system, which features very few pick-and-roll actions.” The Heat run pick-and-rolls 6.6% of the time this season, the only team in the league below 10%. Would Morant be willing to alter his playstyle? It could be conducive to winning. Of course, Adebayo is a similar player to Jaren Jackson Jr., and Miami doesn’t have any role players better than the best Morant played with in Memphis. The Heat do offer a very real culture and coaching continuity, which matters when it comes to winning. If Miami is willing to give up a good player and some draft capital, a deal is feasible. As their season goes on and needs are identified, expect the Heat to be players.
