Heat decides against Morant pursuit. And Powell, Ware play time news
The Heat had enough interest in Memphis guard Ja Morant to make an initial call to the Grizzlies weeks ago.
But they didn’t have enough interest to try to trade for him.
Per a source, the Heat discussed Morant internally but decided not to pursue a trade because of myriad factors, including his contract and a history of injuries.
Morant has not played more than 67 games in any of his six seasons because of injuries and suspensions. He has appeared in nine and 50 games the previous two seasons and just 20 this season, as he’s now sidelined by an elbow injury.
Also, Morant is due $42 million next season and $44.8 million in 2027-28. That concerned the Heat, more so because of the history of injuries.
Trading the expiring contracts of Terry Rozier and Simone Fontecchio would have been cap compliant, but it’s unclear if the Grizzlies would have accepted that, and such a trade did not fit the Heat’s objectives anyway because it would have left Miami as a tax-payer this season, which would have triggered the onerous repeater tax.
Heat president Pat Riley said in May that Miami wanted to get out of the tax this season, after paying a tax the previous season, in order to avoid the repeater tax, which comes with much more severe financial penalties. Riley said the Heat is willing to be a tax team again next season.
An offer of Rozier and Davion Mitchell, which was not made, would have left the Heat as a tax-payer.
ESPN reported that Memphis did not receive a single serious offer for Morant. The Athletic said league interest in Morant, who has had off-court issues in the past, was “shockingly” low.
Powell back
Heat guard Norm Powell announced on Instagram that he and his partner had a baby, which explains his absence from the past three games. He practiced on Thursday and is set to play Friday night at Boston.
Erik Spoelstra said every player except Tyler Herro (ribs) will be available against the Celtics.
Meanwhile, Powell said making his first All Star Game is “definitely meaningful. Just a milestone that I accomplished that I set out as a kid. I always wanted to be at that stage. I think it’s a testament of my hard work, my commitment to the game, my continued belief in myself at the level of player that I can be and continue to strive to be. So it’s definitely a great accomplishment for me, personally.
“It solidified everything I was saying. People were looking at me, talking about me crazy on social media when I opened up about that being one of my goals, that I’m an All Star and believed I am in.”
Powell, who is averaging a career-high 23 points per game, said he watched Sunday’s announcement of the All Star reserves with his family and friends on Zoom.
“It was an amazing moment for me,” he said. “I wouldn’t be able to be in this position if it wasn’t for the organization, for the team,” Powell said. “My teammates allowed me to come in here as a new player in this system and accepted me for who I am and allowing me to be me.”
Ware reaction
Kel’el Ware, who was part of the Heat’s rejected offer for Giannis Antetokounmpo, was asked if he received peace of mind about receiving clarity that he will not be traded this season.
“It is what it is,” he said.
Was he happy to be here? “I’m always happy to be here,” he said. “That never changed.”
Spoelstra said Ware has been “coachable” and “his improvement has not been linear. It’s been up some and down some and up and a bigger jump, but that’s to be expected with young players. He just needs to keep coming in with that approach and we have to continue to commit to him. I’m fully committed to working with Kel’el and developing him… He’s learning how to make an impact on the game.”
Ware said numerous people have approached him asking why he doesn’t play more.
“That’s happened in public, quite a lot,” he said.
How does he respond?
“I can’t say much because it’s not my problem to handle.”
Spoelstra said he has no issue with people complaining about Ware’s uneven playing time.
“I don’t mind it… I think it’s great. I want a fan base excited about our players. We have more young talent and possibilities and potential in our building than we have had as far back as I can remember.”
Ware said his season has had “some ups and downs.”
This story was originally published February 5, 2026 at 3:48 PM.
