"There has now been nearly two weeks passed since a 2026 NBA trade deadline that left the Miami Heat completely empty handed. With rumors that linked Miami to both Giannis Antetokounmpo and Ja Morant, they ended up with neither. Instead, a Heat team hovering just over the .500 mark and back in their fate of play-in territory for the fourth straight season was the only team in the Eastern Conference to not make a single deadline move."
"There was a reluctance to take on two years ($84M) for a player who has not played more than 67 games in any of his six seasons because of injuries and suspension. His slender body type (which runs counter to Miami preference for point guards) and diminished production couldn't be ignored, nor the risk of extended NBA suspension with another misstep."
"Heat's decision to stay away from Ja Morant is understandable, but still questionable. Miami has every right to be wary of committing to another risky, and expensive, polarizing name. Their two main concerns in Morant- the injury and suspension history- are two facets that the front office is already dealing with in Tyler Herro and Terry Rozier. And an expensive one at that. Herro and Rozier have earned nearly $60 million combined this season alone while getting just 11 games played out of them both."
The Miami Heat made no moves at the 2026 trade deadline, missing out on both Giannis Antetokounmpo and Ja Morant. The Bucks kept Antetokounmpo and reported interest in Morant was overstated despite Morant and his camp showing strong interest. The Heat cited concerns about Morant's injury history, suspension risk, slender body type, diminished production, and the two-year $84 million commitment. The front office is also managing costly availability and disciplinary concerns with Tyler Herro and Terry Rozier, who have earned nearly $60 million combined while playing only 11 games this season.
Read at Hot Hot Hoops - Miami HEAT NBA Blog
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