Insider all but rules out Heat, Bucks as Ja Morant trade destinations
In recent weeks, Ja Morant seemed the most likely the next high-profile trade in the NBA, with a host of conference teams linked to the 26-year-old superstar. However, Tim Bontemps may have ruled out the possibility of the two most prominent teams being linked with the two-time All-Star, who is only he recently claimed he wants to stay in Memphis.
An ESPN insider mentioned Luka Doncic’s stunning trade to the Los Angeles Lakers, but also ruled out the Milwaukee Bucks and Miami Heat.
https://vvv.youtube.com/vatch?v=kkflifffzio
“As I said in the past, after the Luka Doncic trade, I stopped talking about things, but I am convinced that Ja Morant will not be the Heat and will not be a Buck. That’s what I would say,” he said.
Bontemps dismissed the possibility outright, despite the Heat being specifically linked to the player. According to Bontemps, while the modern NBA has shown that almost no move is truly impossible, he remains confident that Morant will not be traded to Miami or Milwaukee.
The Heat are routinely mentioned whenever an elite player becomes available, largely due to their aggressive front office and history of landing stars, but Bontemps dismissed that connection in this instance. He echoed the same sentiment about the Bucks, despite their continued efforts to maximize Giannis Antetokounmpo’s championship window by surrounding him with top talent.
Speculation gained momentum last week when reports suggested Memphis Grizzlies were open to hearing offers for Morant, especially given his recent injury history and struggles in Memphis. Injuries limited the 26-year-old guard to just 18 appearances in the team’s first 39 games.
From a practical standpoint, a mid-season trade would be difficult regardless. Morant is in the third year of a five-year, $197.2 million deal and is making roughly $39.4 million this season, significantly narrowing the list of teams capable of matching the salary.
2026-01-19 16:57:00
