Ja Morant plans to meet with key members of his camp in Europe this week in response to recent trade rumors, sources told Yahoo Sports. The Memphis Grizzlies reportedly made Morant available in trade talks last Friday, a decision that “deeply disappointed” the star point guard and his camp.
Morant, 26, has been deeply invested in Memphis and its fan base and has not asked for a trade, sources say. However, he is backed into a corner with the trade deadline less than a month away.
“Live with it,” Morant bluntly told reporters in Berlin on Wednesday of his reaction to reports of his potential departure.
The Miami Heat have quickly emerged as an attractive option to Morant and his camp in recent days, sources say. The Heat have historically been regarded as one of the NBA’s most detail-oriented and structured organizations, a major aspect of development that appeals to Morant.
Morant has deep respect for Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra, who also runs Team USA. Morant desires to represent his country in the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. Miami’s veteran presence is an additional selling point.
The Minnesota Timberwolves, Sacramento Kings and Milwaukee Bucks have varying levels of interest in Morant. His camp acknowledges his value is at its lowest due to the diluted point guard market, his injury and suspension history, and his offensive decline.
Morant, with three years and $125 million remaining on his current deal, is hopeful of securing a max extension by next summer, sources say. He is aiming to return to 100% after missing time with a calf injury.
“He’s progressing in the practices,” head coach Tuomas Iisalo told reporters in Germany on Tuesday. “He’s already able to do a lot of the parts of practice, so looking good to progress.”
Morant last played January 2 in Los Angeles and has appeared in just 18 games this season, averaging 19 points and 7.6 assists per game with career-lows in 3-point and effective field-goal percentage. Memphis sits in 10th place in the Western Conference with a 17-22 record.