The Miami Heat and Milwaukee Bucks have been the two teams linked to Ja Morant the most heavily as the Memphis Grizzlies weigh trade offers for him. However, Miami's interest in the All-Star guard is "overstated," per ESPN's Brian Windhorst and Tim Bontemps. Miami's focus is reportedly making sure their books are clear for the 2027-28 offseason, when a handful of big names will hit free agency.
That makes them an unlikely Morant suitor, increasing Milwaukee's odds as the NBA Trade Deadline inches closer.
Bucks feel like the team with the most incentive to go after Morant
The Milwaukee Bucks are increasingly desperate, and everyone knows it. With a 17-24 record and a star who has never wavered from his desire to contend, Milwaukee's front office is under immense pressure to do something. If they don't get back on the right track soon, honest conversations about Giannis Antetokounmpo's future could very well arise in the summer. The Bucks want to prevent that.
Is Morant the needle-tipping move to save this team? Likely not. He could be a great pickup in terms of solving Milwaukee's offensive woes when Giannis sits, but he isn't doing much to help the team on defense or in the rebounding department. Yet, trading for the two-time All-Star would show that the Bucks are still committed to surrounding the Greek Freak with as much talent as they can find.
While the Bucks are clearly trying to find an eleventh-hour move to save their season, they have to be smart about it. Per HoopsHype's Michael Scotto, the Grizzlies reportedly desire Ryan Rollins and one of Milwaukee's first-round picks in a Morant deal. While he'd be a big-name acquisition, that's a high asking price for a guard who may create more question marks than answers.
Miami is also likely of the same thinking. Morant would be a want, not a need, as they are holding their own in the Eastern Conference. If they can get him, great. If not, they are just fine waiting things out and keeping their fingers crossed that Giannis Antetokounmpo asks out of Milwaukee or hits free agency in a few years. The Milwaukee Bucks don't have the luxury to wait like the Heat do.
Milwaukee should be looking to acquire Morant in a deal more along the lines of what Atlanta got for Trae Young, a fellow disgruntled, smaller guard. Young, a four-time All-Star, netted Atlanta an expiring contract and a decent young player. No firsts. No young building blocks. As it should be. The Bucks can't get into a bidding war with themselves and sell the farm for Ja Morant.
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