Heat Hold Early Talks on Ja Morant, Knicks Shopping Yabusele, Jokic Progressing Toward Return
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Miami Heat
The Miami Heat and Memphis Grizzlies have engaged in preliminary discussions about a possible trade involving two-time All-Star guard Ja Morant, according to The Miami Herald. A source characterized the conversations as early and noted it is “premature” to label Miami a serious bidder.
Memphis is reportedly seeking draft picks and young talent in any Morant deal. Miami, however, is hesitant to sacrifice top assets because of Morant’s injury history and the $86 million he is owed over the two seasons following the current campaign, the Herald added.
New York Knicks
Multiple outlets, including reporting from Marc Stein and confirmations by the New York Post and The Athletic, indicate the Knicks are actively trying to move forward Guerschon Yabusele before the trade deadline. New York is roughly $150,000 under the league’s second tax apron, limiting roster flexibility.
Core pieces such as Miles McBride and Mitchell Robinson are not expected to be involved in any deal. That leaves Yabusele—and possibly second-year wing Pacome Dadiet—as the most likely trade chips. Their combined salaries of about $8.3 million put New York in the market for a similarly priced player. League sources cited Jazz forward Simone Fontecchio as one potential match.
The Knicks are said to be targeting a ball-handler who can defend, while also considering a dependable third-string center to back up Robinson.
Denver Nuggets
Reigning Finals MVP Nikola Jokic is ahead of schedule in his recovery from a left knee hyperextension suffered December 30, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported. Jokic has resumed on-court activity and could return around January 27, which would limit his absence to 15 games—enough to remain eligible for postseason awards, DNVR Sports noted.
Denver has gone 5-3 without Jokic, earning road victories in Toronto, Philadelphia, and Boston. The Nuggets sit tied for second in the Western Conference at 27-13 and continue to prioritize long-term health over any specific return date.
Source: Hoops Wire
