The NBA offseason has gotten off to a roaring start. And, it wasn't the Kevin Durant trade that everyone has been waiting for that sent shockwaves across the league. Instead, it was the Orlando Magic making the bold move for Desmond Bane, a move that will certainly shift the hierarchy in both the Eastern Conference and Western Conference. It could also have an impact on Miami's offseason plans.
Now that the Memphis Grizzlies could be on the verge of a complete retooling of their roster or perhaps even a rebuild, the Heat should be on the phone trying to pry Ja Morant out of town. The Heat should be looking to scrap together every last asset they have at their disposal to make a monster offer for Morant, one that could dramatically alter the future of the franchise.
While the team's pursuit of Kevin Durant could be considered polarizing among the fan base, an all-out move for Morant would not. Even though there could be some risk when it comes to pursuing Morant, his on-the-court talent can't be questioned. Morant is 25 years old and in the middle of his prime years. He'd be a great addition next to Bam Adebayo and has the superstar potential that, in many ways, Tyler Herro is missing.
If the Heat truly wants to make a splash move this offseason, everything may have shifted for the team if the Grizzlies are open to listening to offers for Morant.
Are the Grizzlies ready to rebuild?
It's far from a foregone conclusion that the Grizzlies would be open to trading Morant, but after the huge trade of Bane, you'd have to assume that they'd be willing to listen to offers. It would be complete malpractice if there weren't even a phone call made by the Heat.
There's a great argument to be made that the Heat should abandon their pursuit of KD and perhaps focus on Morant, especially if the Grizzlies do give the indication that they're ready to make another big deal this offseason.
Morant represents the superstar player the Heat should be pursuing this offseason. Sure, the addition of KD will help improve the team's roster and will sell more tickets. It will also add another layer of intrigue heading into next season.
However, pursuing Morant would not only give the team an initial push for next season, but it could also lay the foundation for a 5-7 year window of contention for the franchise. That, more than anything, is what the Heat should be exploring this offseason.
If Morant is available, the Heat should absolutely forget about KD.