Heat Cool Off Ja Morant Trade Talks

Merlin sees Miami as an unlikely landing spot for Ja Morant. ESPN’s reporting says Heat interest has been "overstated" because the franchise is "laser focused on avoiding taking on" long-term money ahead of the 2027 free agent summer, and people in the league do not "see much of a market" for Morant. His injury history, heavy contract and falling production make teams wary, with only the Bucks repeatedly mentioned as a feasible match. Merlin notes the practical chess behind the silence. Miami already has a steady defensive guard in Davion Mitchell and prefers cap flexibility over a risky splash. The Grizzlies may have to settle for pick swaps, rookie-contract bets or taking on bad money to move Morant. Expect quiet negotiations, not a bidding war.