After Jimmy Butler, the obvious question is who becomes the Heat’s next superstar. Bam Adebayo is dependable and impactful, but he isn’t Butler nor has he proven to be a consistent first-option offensive force. Tyler Herro meanwhile still hasn’t taken the leap many expected.
So naturally, the conversation turns to the trade market, and a few familiar names surface. If you strip the market down to what’s actually attainable, Morant stands out. While his play has dipped, he’s still a two-time All-Star, and there’s belief that Miami’s culture could unlock the best version of him back out.
A lot of people can talk themselves into Morant in Miami. The Heat seem less convinced, believing a bigger swing like Giannis Antetokounmpo could be in play, which has cooled their interest in Morant.
“We’re getting close to the perfect recipe for everything he said not happening, happening. It’s not just the level of disconnect of him and the Bucks, at the same time some of the teams that are in the running, their circumstances have changed. I don’t really see a Knicks deal happening but they’ve lost 9-12 and you naturally start going ‘oh boy.’ Miami signaling they’re not going to pursue Ja Morant shows you they still have some level of hope when it comes to Giannis.”
Sam Amick says the Heat have signaled they aren’t interested in Ja Morant because they believe they have real hope to land Giannis:
“We’re getting close to the perfect recipe for everything he said not happening, happening. It’s not just the level of disconnect of him and the… pic.twitter.com/VR3pdAyZBu
— Heat Central (@HeatCulture13) January 23, 2026
