Ja Morant is reportedly seeking a move to the Miami Heat, according to Rachel Nichols on the Open Floor NBA Show. Nichols said, “I know [Ja Morant] wants to go down [to Miami] from what I’ve heard.”
The Memphis Grizzlies are open to exploring trade options for their star point guard, a notable shift as the franchise evaluates whether a broader roster reset could be more effective than incremental adjustments. NBA insider Marc Stein noted on the All NBA Podcast that Memphis is likely seeking at least one first-round pick in any deal.
Morant, 26, is under contract through the 2027–28 season and is in the third year of a five-year, $197 million deal. The structure of his contract complicates potential negotiations but provides financial certainty for a team aiming to acquire a controllable star.
Through 18 games this season, Morant is averaging 19.0 points, 7.6 assists, and 3.2 rebounds per game. However, his shooting efficiency has dipped, with a .401 field-goal percentage and .208 from three-point range, reflecting Memphis’ ongoing challenges with consistency.
The Grizzlies currently sit 10th in the Western Conference with a 17–22 record, ranking near league average offensively while struggling to maintain momentum against top-tier competition. The team’s position has contributed to the front office’s willingness to consider trade scenarios for Morant.
Morant was eligible for a contract extension last offseason, but no significant negotiations took place. Memphis opted to delay discussions until it had a clearer understanding of roster trajectory, a strategy similar to the Atlanta Hawks before trading Trae Young to Washington.
League executives view Memphis’ new openness as a signal that prior exploratory talks with other teams could now gain traction. The February 5 trade deadline is likely to shape discussions, with Miami among the teams closely monitoring developments around Morant’s future.
