Heat get awful Ja Morant trade news less than 24 hours after deadline

The Memphis Grizzlies star point guard Ja Morant isn’t going anywhere, at least this season. 

The Grizzlies elected to retain Morant despite exploring trades for the Murray State product during the final few days of the trade season. The Miami Heat were among the teams interested in striking a deal for Morant, but a deal never materialized. 

Less than 24 hours after this year’s trade deadline passed, the Heat received awful trade news regarding Morant that could prevent the organization from potentially acquiring him in the offseason.

“I think he's (Morant) got, what they call in the league, negative value,” ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said on the popular ‘Get Up’ morning show. 

“What that means is teams were not willing to take Ja Morant unless the Grizzlies also attached draft compensation."

Windhorst’s report is unfortunate for two reasons. For starters, Morant’s negative trade perception made it impossible for the Heat to execute a franchise-altering deal for the electric two-time All-Star this year to help give them a second-half boost. 

Additionally, it doesn’t appear likely the Heat will accelerate trade talks centered around Morant in the summer, as it’s now clear he isn’t an asset well-perceived around the league. 

The 26-year-old has endured several significant injuries lately, hasn’t progressed well as a three-point shooter, and has been problematic off the court on several occasions. 

Morant, who’s averaging 19.5 points and 8.1 assists per game on 41.0% field goal shooting and 23.5% three-point shooting in 20 outings, may remain with the Grizzlies longer than he probably anticipated, which isn't good news for the Heat.

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