Ja Morant is apparently trying to do what his fellow star guard Damian Lillard couldn’t — successfully force his way to the Miami Heat.
The disgruntled Memphis Grizzlies guard Morant reportedly wants to be traded to the Heat. Veteran NBA reporter Rachel Nichols made that revelation during an appearance this week on the “Open Floor” podcast.
“I know [Morant] wants to go down there [to Miami] from what I’ve heard,” said Nichols.
This was also corroborated by NBA writer Jake Fischer, who said on a Bleacher Report livestream Tuesday that the Heat are one of the more likely trade destinations for the two-time All-Star Morant.
Morant, still just 26, seems like a lock to be traded ahead of the Feb. 5 deadline as he is unhappy in Memphis and has reportedly even had issues with his teammates. On top of that, Morant may be had for a real discount since he has only played in 18 of 39 possible games due to injury this season and is averaging just 19.0 points per game (Morant’s lowest total since his rookie year) even when healthy.
There are obviously some real questions here about how Morant will potentially be able to deal with the various distractions present in Miami, and the Heat are not even the only team in the East said to be eyeing Morant. But Miami’s interest in Morant dates back more than a month now, and the former All-NBA selection is apparently hoping for such a move as well.
