The Memphis Grizzlies sent shockwaves through the NBA on Sunday with a blockbuster trade that sent star guard Desmond Bane packing. In return, Memphis acquired a significant haul from their trade partners, including Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, and many draft picks.
Meanwhile, after Bane’s trade, attention quickly turned to Ja Morant. According to Yahoo Sports insider Vince Goodwill, conversations about Morant and a potential link to the Miami Heat are not new.
“Don’t think I’m breaking news here, but in the middle of the whole Jimmy Butler saga last year, one name that multiple league sources brought up to me was, ‘Hey, you might want to check on Ja Morant in Miami.’ And I didn’t understand the iterations of it,” Goodwill reported.
People around the league were keeping an eye on Ja Morant and the Miami Heat, per @VinceGoodwill
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“Don’t think I’m breaking news here, but in the middle of the whole Jimmy Butler saga last year, one name that multiple league sources brought up to me was, ‘Hey, you might want to… pic.twitter.com/0TedeTf4ny
“I was like, this is going to be a really complicated trade—A, because of Jimmy’s extension; B, because of Ja’s long money. And there were iterations of Ja and Desmond Bane being shipped out, which sounds like it could be true, considering Desmond Bane was just traded yesterday,” he added.
While nothing is official, betting markets have taken note. According to Bovada officials, the odds of the Heat acquiring Morant now sit at +800. It indicates that while a deal isn’t imminent, the possibility remains very much alive.
Orlando Magic Confident After Desmond Bane Trade
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After acquiring Desmond Bane in a high-profile trade, Magic’s president of basketball operations, Jeff Weltman, addressed the media. He expressed confidence in the team’s direction and long-term strategy.
“We feel that we’re betting on ourselves; we feel like we’re going to be a good team. We feel that the other unique thing about Desmond being available to obtain in a trade is the fact that he’s just about to turn 27, and so if we are a good team, then we hope to be a good team for a while because our age profile that’s most highly paid is ages 23 to 27,” Weltman said.
The Magic are aiming to take a major leap forward with Bane now in the mix. The 27-year-old shooting guard brings a strong two-way presence. His skill set, combined with Orlando’s rising young core, has the team optimistic about their future in the Eastern Conference.
Also Read: Desmond Bane Blockbuster Deal Could Shake Up Kevin Durant Trade Talks, And Here’s Why
