NBA Rumors: Heat, Ja Morant, Knicks, Guerschon Yabusele, Nuggets

Heat

Following recent reports that Grizzlies star Ja Morant and his camp view the Heat as a potential landing spot, Anthony Chiang of The Miami Herald reports that interest does run both ways — at least on a surface level.

According to Chiang, Miami and Memphis ave held preliminary discussions regarding Morant, but those talks haven’t progressed. One source described it as “premature” to view the Heat as a serious suitor at this stage.

Memphis is believed to be seeking draft capital and young players in any Morant deal, but Chiang notes the Heat would be reluctant to part with premium assets for the two-time All-Star, given his injury history and remaining salary.

Barry Jackson of the Herald echoed that sentiment, adding that any Miami offer would likely be modest, with the league viewing a Morant trade as Memphis asking a partner to absorb the $86MM owed over the two seasons after this one.

Knicks

All signs point to the Knicks exploring ways to move Guerschon Yabusele ahead of the trade deadline. Marc Stein’s reporting has been corroborated by Stefan Bondy of the New York Post and James L. Edwards III of The Athletic.

Edwards notes that New York sits roughly $150,000 below the second apron, limiting flexibility. Core pieces are not expected to be moved, and players like Miles McBride and Mitchell Robinson remain valued rotation staples.

That leaves Yabusele (and possibly second-year wing Pacome Dadiet) as the most realistic trade pieces. Their combined salaries total roughly $8.3MM, putting the Knicks in the market for a similarly priced player. Edwards mentions Simone Fontecchio as one possible salary match.

League sources indicate New York is prioritizing a player who can handle the ball and defend, with additional chatter about adding a reliable third-string big as insurance for Robinson.

Nuggets

Nikola Jokic is progressing well in his recovery from a left knee hyperextension. ESPN’s Shams Charania said Wednesday that Jokic has resumed on-court work and is “right on schedule, if not a little ahead.”

Jokic was ruled out for four weeks on December 30, and if he returns around January 27, he would miss 15 games, keeping him eligible for postseason awards, as noted by as Harrison Wind of DNVR Sports.

That said, Denver is prioritizing health over timelines. The Nuggets have gone 5-3 without Jokic, including road wins in Toronto, Philadelphia, and Boston, and sit tied for second in the West at 27-13.