{"id":173356,"date":"2026-01-19T08:49:29","date_gmt":"2026-01-19T13:49:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=173356"},"modified":"2026-01-19T08:49:29","modified_gmt":"2026-01-19T13:49:29","slug":"why-the-heat-are-making-a-costly-ja-morant-mistake","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2026\/01\/19\/why-the-heat-are-making-a-costly-ja-morant-mistake\/","title":{"rendered":"Why The Heat Are Making A Costly Ja Morant Mistake"},"content":{"rendered":"

MIAMI \u2014 The trade deadline is fast approaching. The Miami Heat<\/a> are being linked with a move for Ja Morant.<\/a> The South Florida ball club has expressed interest instead in prioritizing cap space in 2028. They currently project to have few contracts on their books.<\/p>\n

Why The Heat Are Making A Costly Ja Morant Mistake<\/h2>\n
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Sep 29, 2025; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (14) rides a knee scooter during media day at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Heat have played about average this season. They currently sit eighth with a 22-20 record. They have largely achieved success by owning a top-10<\/a> defense, ranked seventh. Their offense has trailed all season. It remains below average and lacks firepower, ranking 19th.<\/p>\n

Herro\u2019s Injuries And Trade Complications<\/h3>\n

Their usual leading scorer, Tyler Herro,<\/a> has struggled with injuries. He has appeared in only 10 games. He’s missed time with a toe injury. This injury has a history of making guards look like shadows of themselves.<\/p>\n

Like Darius Garland<\/a> in Cleveland, Herro looks like a shadow of his former self. That form earned him an All-Star spot in 2024-25. He averages about 19 points, five rebounds, and four assists. He appears to be the odd one out in a trade for Morant. Pat Riley remains unwilling to part with first-round picks or young talent.<\/p>\n

NBA insider Jake Fischer noted<\/a> that Riley would not let a past relationship between Noah LaRoche and Morant get in the way. That relationship would not block the Heat from landing the star guard. The deal becomes even more convoluted. Morant recently purchased a mansion in Florida near the Heat\u2019s facility.<\/p>\n

Morant\u2019s Situation And Contract Concerns<\/h3>\n

Shams Charania\u2019s revelation suggests the team is ready to move on. Memphis appear ready to move on from their 2019 lottery pick.<\/p>\n

Morant\u2019s status and potential to revive his explosiveness could give Miami a chance to contend. However, the Heat appear to view Ja Morant’s long-term contract as a hindrance. They see it as an obstacle to their bigger summer plans. \u201cThey have been laser focused on avoiding taking on money for the 27-28 offseason\u2026 It\u2019s highly unlikely the Heat would deviate from that plan to go after Morant,\u201d ESPN reported.<\/p>\n

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The Heat interest in Ja Morant has been overstated and it is \u201chighly unlikely\u201d they would trade for him, per @espn<\/a> <\/p>\n

\u201cThey have been laser focused on avoiding taking on money for the 27-28 offseason\u2026 It's highly unlikely the Heat would deviate from that plan to go after Morant.\u201d pic.twitter.com\/754yx3Rv6x<\/a><\/p>\n

— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) January 16, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n