This NBA summer has been full of surprising trades, and one of the most notable was the Memphis Grizzlies’ decision to part ways with star Desmond Bane. This move not only shocked the league but also raised a big question: Is Ja Morant the next star to leave Memphis? Despite Morant’s public statements about staying, rumors continue to swirl. Let’s analyze a hypothetical blockbuster trade where Ja Morant could join the Miami Heat in a swap of starting point guards, and see why this deal could make sense for both teams.

1. The Trade Scenario and the Logic Behind It

In this hypothetical trade, the deal would be structured as follows:

Miami Heat receive: Point guard Ja Morant.

Memphis Grizzlies receive: Point guard Tyler Herro, small forward Jaime Jaquez Jr., and a first-round pick.

This is a scenario where both teams would be swapping starting point guards. To acquire the more valuable Morant, the Miami Heat would likely need to include Jaime Jaquez Jr. and a first-round pick. This seems like a reasonable price for a former All-Star like Morant.

2. Why This Trade Makes Sense for the Memphis Grizzlies

The trade of Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic was a clear signal that the Grizzlies might be open to a new direction. While Morant is the face of the franchise, the team’s success under his leadership has been underwhelming. His six-year career in Memphis has only yielded one playoff series win. Last season, they were even swept in the first round by the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Trading Morant for Tyler Herro and Jaime Jaquez Jr. could be a strategic move. Herro is a reliable shooter who could become the team’s new offensive focal point. Jaime Jaquez Jr., a promising young player, would bring fresh energy and versatility to the roster. Along with the first-round pick, the Grizzlies would have multiple assets to build the team in a new direction.

3. Why This Trade Makes Sense for the Miami Heat

Despite acquiring Norman Powell this offseason, the Miami Heat are still looking for a superstar to elevate their team. Morant might not be a “perfect fit” for coach Erik Spoelstra’s system, especially with the need to share the ball with stars like Bam Adebayo, Andrew Wiggins, and Powell. However, according to Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley, the Heat might be willing to “chase the talent” over positional fit in their next blockbuster trade.

Including Tyler Herro in the deal would open up the starting point guard spot for Morant. Morant, with his elite driving and passing abilities, could bring a new dynamic to the Heat’s offense. While he might not have the highest shot volume, his assist numbers could see a significant increase, making the Heat’s offense more dynamic and unpredictable.

4. Fantasy Basketball Implications

For fantasy basketball players, this trade would have major consequences.

Ja Morant: In Miami, he might not have the same shot volume as he did in Memphis (especially without Desmond Bane). However, playing with Adebayo and the other stars could lead to a significant increase in assists, making him a more well-rounded fantasy asset.

Tyler Herro: He would be the biggest beneficiary. After trading away Bane and potentially Morant, Herro would become one of the Grizzlies’ top shot-takers, giving him a huge opportunity to boost his scoring output.

While Ja Morant remains a member of the Memphis Grizzlies, the team’s offseason moves have raised serious questions about his future. The hypothetical trade with the Miami Heat is not just a solution for both teams but a potential turning point, allowing the Grizzlies to start a new chapter and the Heat to acquire another star to contend for a championship. Whatever the ultimate outcome, the story of Ja Morant will undoubtedly be one of the hottest topics in the NBA for the foreseeable future.