If the Miami Heat are ready to make a franchise-altering move, Ja Morant could be right there for the taking as a potential dream NBA Trade Deadline target. With the way his situation is quickly deteriorating with the Memphis Grizzlies, it appears there's a growing chance he could become available between now and February.
The Heat, if they're serious about trying to land a superstar player, should be on the short list of teams willing to go all-in for Morant.
Ja Morant's uncertainty with the Memphis Grizzlies
Even though it's far from a foregone conclusion that Morant will hit the trade block between now and the deadline, there's enough that has happened in this marriage with the Grizzlies that suggests both sides may be looking for an out.
I wouldn't say that with certainty at this point, but the tea leaves are certainly telling that story.
The Heat, who would greatly benefit from a star point guard in their lineup, would be a great fit on paper. Morant would be the exact ball-handling star player the Heat has long desired. Plus, he'd also be a great fit next to Bam Adebayo as a dangerous 1-2 punch.
And for all the issues that Morant has had during his time in Memphis and through the early portion of his NBA career, a change of scenery could be exactly what he needs. Miami, which has been known as a franchise that has excelled in reclamation projects, could be just what Morant needs at this point in his career.
Morant has the exact superstar potential the Heat desires in a trade target. And while he does possess that potential, his struggles of late could push his trade value just low enough where this is a move the Heat can make without completely bankrupting the team's assets.
In more ways than one, Morant has seen regression throughout the last three years of his career. Through the first six games of this season, Morant is still averaging a solid 21 points and seven assists, but he's only shooting 41 percent from the field and 16 percent from 3-point range.
It's tough to say what exactly is the biggest reason for Morant's struggles this season, but you can't help but wonder if he's somewhat checked out of this current situation. I have a feeling that if that is indeed the case, things between the Grizzlies and Morant are going to get a lot worse before they get better.
That's what a team like the Heat has to be hoping for, ultimately leading to a potential pursuit of him at the NBA Trade Deadline.