The Miami Heat have broadened their trade conversations, expressing interest in Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant even as they continue to prioritize a potential deal for Giannis Antetokounmpo, according to the Miami Herald’s Anthony Chiang.
One league source told Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel that Miami intends to remain engaged on both fronts, viewing a Morant pursuit and an Antetokounmpo pursuit as separate opportunities. Any move for Morant would depend on Memphis lowering its asking price and on the Heat’s ability to preserve enough assets for a larger swing at Antetokounmpo.
Grizzlies Could Absorb Poeltl
After sending Jaren Jackson Jr. to Utah, the Grizzlies hold a $28.9 million trade exception and have emerged as a possible destination for Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl, reports Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints. Poeltl’s $19.5 million salary for 2024-25 fits into the exception, allowing Memphis to take him without matching money.
Poeltl is owed more than $100 million through the 2029-30 season, and rival executives consider the contract a negative asset. Memphis would therefore seek significant compensation to facilitate the move. The Raptors have discussed Domantas Sabonis with Sacramento, but the Kings are not interested in Poeltl, making a third-team arrangement necessary. The Chicago Bulls have also been mentioned as a potential facilitator, though they would need to move salary to comply with cap rules.
Warriors Include Green in Giannis Talks
The Golden State Warriors remain aggressive in their pursuit of Antetokounmpo and have actively discussed Draymond Green with the Milwaukee Bucks, ESPN’s Anthony Slater confirms. With Jimmy Butler absent from Golden State’s offer, Green’s $25.9 million contract is viewed as the key salary-matching piece. The Warriors consider Stephen Curry the lone untouchable player in negotiations; every other contract is on the table as they seek a path to the two-time MVP.
The trade chatter underscores a fast-moving market as teams position themselves ahead of the next NBA transaction window.
Source: Hoops Wire
