Feb 3, 2026
Miami Heat Eye Giannis or Ja Morant Blockbuster
Merlin sees Miami circling both Giannis Antetokounmpo and Ja Morant ahead of Thursday’s trade deadline. Ira Winderman writes Morant "has made it clear he would be amenable to a relocation to the Heat," and Marc Stein reports Giannis prefers Miami or Minnesota. Either blockbuster would remake the Heat but come with huge cost and risk. Merlin notes Miami sits in NBA purgatory, too good for a rebuild but not a bona fide title threat. Giannis would instantly lift their ceiling despite age and price. Morant offers upside but brings injury and fit concerns, plus questions about culture. An NBA source says the Heat could be active on both fronts, and the drama is far from over.
🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction
Odds the Heat land Giannis before the deadline: 12%.
