Heat Reportedly Offer $26M Package for Grizzlies' $197M 2-Time All-Star

Miami interested in acquiring Ja Morant, but Grizzlies prioritizing draft picks and young players

Jan. 28, 2026 at 12:55am

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The Miami Heat are reportedly interested in trading for Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant, offering a package centered around Terry Rozier's $26.6 million expiring contract. However, the Grizzlies are said to be prioritizing draft picks and young players in any potential Morant trade, making it unclear if Miami's offer will be enough to land the two-time All-Star and Most Improved Player winner.

Why it matters

Acquiring Morant would be a huge move for the Heat as they look to bolster their roster and push for a top-4 seed in the Eastern Conference. But the Grizzlies are in a strong negotiating position, and may require significant draft capital in return, which could limit Miami's willingness to go all-in on a Morant trade.

The details

According to reports, the Heat are willing to offer Rozier's expiring contract and additional players like Simone Fontecchio in a trade package for Morant. However, the Grizzlies are said to be prioritizing draft picks and young talent in any potential Morant deal, making it unclear if Miami's offer will be enough to land the star guard.

  • The NBA trade deadline is on February 5, 2026.

The players

Ja Morant

A two-time NBA All-Star and Most Improved Player winner with the Memphis Grizzlies, who is now the subject of trade rumors as the team reportedly entertains offers for the star guard.

Terry Rozier

A veteran guard for the Miami Heat, whose $26.6 million expiring contract is reportedly being used as the centerpiece of the Heat's trade offer for Morant.

Simone Fontecchio

A player on the Miami Heat roster who is reportedly included in the team's trade package for Morant.

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What they’re saying

“The Miami Heat are operating as if Terry Rozier's $26.6 million expiring contract is allowed to be used in a trade. Miami is interested in Ja Morant, and they're willing to offer the salaries of Rozier and Simone Fontecchio. However, Miami appears hesitant to offer any draft capital.”

— Evan Sidery, NBA reporter (Sporting News)

“The Memphis Grizzlies are entertaining offers to potentially move two-time All-Star Ja Morant ahead of the Feb. 5 NBA trade deadline, sources told ESPN. Multiple teams are pursuing Morant in trade talks, and rival executives believe the Grizzlies would prioritize draft picks and young players in return, sources said.”

— Shams Charania, NBA reporter (ESPN)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This potential trade for Ja Morant highlights the difficult balance the Heat must strike between going all-in to improve their roster now, while also preserving valuable trade assets that could be used to land a superstar like Giannis Antetokounmpo in the offseason. The Grizzlies' reported preference for draft picks and young players may make it challenging for Miami to land Morant without compromising their long-term flexibility.