The Miami Heat were a very different squad from previous season. After adding Norman Powell this summer, Miami released a large number of veterans and older players, effectively changing the team’s timeframe.
While this normally indicates a rebuild, the Heat appear to have improved. Miami, led by youthful star combination Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo, is ready to be a dark horse in the East, boasting one of the league’s youngest lineups.
Although Miami has a strong roster, the squad may lack the firepower to be considered a title contender in the East.
However, a trade idea proposed by Sports Illustrated’s Ethen Hutton enables the Heat to become a powerhouse by obtaining Ja Morant from the Memphis Grizzlies. Here’s the trading scenario:
Proposed Trade Details:
Miami Heat Receives: Ja Morant
Memphis Grizzlies Receive: Andrew Wiggins, Nikola Jovic, Jaime Jaquez Jr., 2027 first-round selection, and 2031 first-round pick.
Why should Miami get Morant?
Acquiring Morant would effectively usher in a new era for the Miami Heat. With a generational talent entering the team, the Heat would emerge as a new Eastern superpower capable of competing with the league’s elite.
The Heat have a talented roster as it is. Miami’s starting backcourt, which includes Herro and Powell, already has remarkable offensive potential.
Injecting Morant into this rotation would necessitate Powell moving to the small forward position, but it would greatly improve the Heat’s total scoring output.
Morant has all the characteristics of a superstar. Aside from his superior physical abilities and scoring prowess, Morant is noted for his showmanship and ability to perform in high-pressure situations. These characteristics complement Herro’s style, making the two potentially one of the league’s most intriguing backcourt duos.
Last season, Morant averaged 23.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game, shooting 45.4% from the field and 30.9% from three.
When examining the 26-year-old’s play style, he has demonstrated a preference for attacking the basket. While he is ball-dominant, like Herro, he is also more dangerous going downhill. These abilities compliment Herro’s, as he is capable of assaulting as a consistent perimeter threat.
Several facts indicate that obtaining Morant is in Miami’s best interests. When his age was factored in, the Heat would only strengthen their core. Given the Eastern Conference’s weakened status next season, Miami might potentially challenge for the title by making this move without jeopardizing its timeline.
There may be some concerns about his off-court antics and issues, but with a coach like Erik Spoelstra and a president like Pat Riley, the two-time All-Star is unlikely to have as much leeway.
Additionally, fears regarding the star’s health will be genuine. Despite playing in 50 games last season, Morant has been known to suffer many ailments throughout the season. If Miami decides to sign him, managing his situation will become a top concern.
What Do the Grizzlies Gain?
The Memphis Grizzlies have already indicated that they are partially committed to a rebuild this offseason. By moving Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic, the Grizzlies basically disbanded their core.
Although they have put an end to trade rumors, this does not mean that the Grizzlies will never commit to a rebuild.
In the current circumstance, the Grizzlies’ star tandem of Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. has failed to provide postseason success. Memphis has committed to the former DPOY, as seen by his latest contract deal. As a result, building around him may be a better strategy.
On that regard, Hutton’s proposal to the Heat includes some nice elements for the Grizzlies. With two first-round draft picks (2027 and 2031), Andrew Wiggins, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Nikola Jovic, Memphis would have all of the pieces needed to properly execute a rebuild while remaining competitive.
Wiggins, who has an expiring deal, has showed a lot of promise as a great two-way player. While anchoring Memphis’ perimeter defense, the 30-year-old is also a consistent scorer and rebounder.
Last season, Wiggins averaged 18.0 points and 4.5 rebounds while shooting 44.8% from the field and 37.4% from three. When pushed to play a more major role on offense, the forward’s scoring production increased slightly, indicating that he has the potential to be a viable scoring threat with Jackson Jr. in Memphis.
Additionally, obtaining developmental players such as Jovic and Jaquez Jr. could be beneficial. Both of them are on the verge of breakout seasons, with Jovic’s performance at EuroBasket being particularly intriguing.
Both guys have demonstrated a lot of potential as scoring assets. Last season, Jovic averaged 10.7 points and 3.9 rebounds per game while shooting 45.6% overall and 37.1% from three points. Meanwhile, Jaquez showed promise despite his reduced output, averaging 8.6 points and 4.4 rebounds per game on 46.1% shooting.
If they are given greater playing time and duties, both players have the ability and talent to emerge as key contributors. On a rebuilding squad, assets like these might become valuable members of the roster.
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