Once again, the Miami Heat are considered a frontrunner for a disgruntled star. The question is, will the Heat be able to close the deal on Ja Morant, unlike they were able to do with Damian Lillard a few years ago?
According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Heat are "one of the more likely landing spots" for Morant. As the trade winds surrounding Morant continue to strengthen, it's become more and more clear that the Heat are emerging as a real threat.
In addition to saying the Heat could be one of the more likely landing spots for the disgruntled star, Fischer also added that there doesn't appear to be a robust market. That could certainly change, but at least for now, there's a scenario in which the Heat is able to buy extremely low on Morant.
Adding to the Heat's Morant trade momentum is the other report that says the star guard's camp views Miami as the more attractive option compared to the other teams that have reportedly expressed interest (Milwaukee, Sacramento, and Minnesota).
The Ja Morant tide is turning in the Heat's favor
If we put this entire puzzle together, it does feel as if the stars are quickly aligning for the Heat to fall in a position to pounce on Morant before the NBA Trade Deadline. However, that onus does ultimately fall on the Heat.
Sure, everything can be perfectly lined up on a silver platter for Miami, but they'll ultimately have to decide whether to pull the trigger or not.
The asking price may not be high, but the Heat will still have to meet it.
The Heat will have to look past the fit concerns with Morant and have a plan in place to adjust the offense (and defense) in a way that will help make this experiment work.
This is not one of those scenarios where Miami has to be willing to take a flier and says, "If it works, it works." No, if the Heat decides to pull the trigger on this move, the entire organization would have to be all-in. This is one of those low-risk, high-reward trades that could end up paying great dividends, but also one that requires complete buy-in from the front office to the coaching staff.
And I'm not sure if the Heat are all the way there yet. Because, especially with the way the recent reporting has gone, if they were, Morant would already be in Miami.
So, sure, I'm not doubting this report that the Heat may be considered the favorites right now, but a lot can change between now and when Morant is eventually moved.