Overview
- Memphis is taking calls on Ja Morant ahead of the Feb. 5 deadline, with interest centered on draft capital and young players.
- ESPN reporting says Miami’s involvement has been overstated due to the Heat’s focus on avoiding long-term salary commitments tied to 2027 plans.
- League observers do not expect a robust market to form for Morant, though Milwaukee is repeatedly mentioned as a potential destination.
- Sources suggest Memphis may need to absorb undesirable contracts to secure offers built on pick swaps and rookie-scale bets.
- Teams cite Morant’s availability and contract as hurdles, with five straight seasons of 20-plus games missed and salaries of about $42.2 million next season and $44.9 million in 2027-28.