Overview
- ESPN reporting says Miami’s interest has been overstated as the Heat avoid long-term salary to keep space for a 2027 free-agent class that could include Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokic and Donovan Mitchell.
- League sources describe a tepid market for Morant, though the Bucks are frequently mentioned, and Memphis is seeking draft capital and young players rather than a salary dump.
- A leaked audio clip of a heated practice exchange in Berlin between Morant and Vince Williams Jr. went viral, and Dwyane Wade publicly backed Morant while questioning the Grizzlies’ leadership.
- Morant has played 18 games with 19.0 points per game on career-low shooting splits (40.1% FG, 20.8% 3PT), adding to teams’ concerns about recent performance and availability.
- His contract is set to pay approximately $42.2 million next season and $44.9 million in 2027-28, and executives expect any trade value to reflect that cost and risk as the Feb. 5 deadline approaches.