NBA Rumors: Heat, Ja Morant, Grizzlies, Jakob Poeltl, Warriors

Heat

Miami continues to keep multiple big-game irons in the fire.

The Heat have shown “some level” of interest in Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant in recent weeks, according to Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald, though league sources stress that the organization’s primary focus remains on Giannis Antetokounmpo.

One source who spoke with Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel suggested Miami expects to stay involved on both fronts, noting that the Heat don’t view the scenarios as mutually exclusive.

In theory, a Morant deal could be pursued if Memphis’ asking price drops low enough, while Miami continues to probe Milwaukee on Antetokounmpo.

That said, Giannis remains the priority. Any Morant pursuit would hinge on price, timing, and whether the Heat believe they can leverage assets without compromising their flexibility for a larger swing.

Grizzlies

Fresh off their blockbuster deal sending Jaren Jackson Jr. to Utah, Memphis has emerged as a potential facilitator in other league-wide discussions.

According to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, the Grizzlies are being mentioned as a possible landing spot for Raptors center Jakob Poeltl. Memphis now controls a $28.9MM trade exception and has the ability to absorb Poeltl’s $19.5MM cap hit without sending out matching salary.

Toronto has been engaged in Domantas Sabonis talks with Sacramento, but the Kings have no interest in Poeltl, making a third team necessary.

Poeltl’s long-term contract, which runs through 2029-30 and carries more than $100MM remaining, is widely viewed as a negative asset, meaning Memphis would require meaningful incentive to take it on.

Chicago has also been mentioned as a potential facilitator, though the Bulls would need to send out salary to make the math work.

Warriors

As expected, Golden State’s pursuit of Antetokounmpo continues to come with real cost.

Anthony Slater of ESPN confirms the Warriors have included Draymond Green in active trade conversations with Milwaukee.

With Jimmy Butler not part of Golden State’s offer, Green’s $25.9MM salary becomes essential for matching purposes in any Giannis deal.

Stephen Curry remains the lone untouchable. Everyone else, at least financially, is part of the discussion.