Scarf joins Dong Zhan Xiaoli to join the Grizzlies, Morant goes to Miami

The Lakers, Heat and Grizzlies are all teams with a championship aspiration, and there may be a deal on the table that will each of them get one (or two) key players in the 2025 offseason. The 2024-25 NBA season is like a roller coaster for several teams, and as the offseason approaches, we expect bold moves to happen. The Los Angeles Lakers were disappointing to be eliminated by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the playoffs despite a strong 50-32 record in the regular season and a heavy-throwing acquisition of Doncic in the mid-season. Meanwhile, the Miami Heat are ranked 10th in the Eastern Conference with a record of 37-45, and are looking for a resurgence after a sluggish season with their star Butler transfer.

In this case, a huge three-team trade proposal emerged: the Lakers were given a super talented center and a tried-and-tested wing to strengthen their roster, while the Heat brought in vibrant point guard Ja Morant to restore their backfield vitality. Morant, who averaged 23.2 points and 7.3 assists in 50 games this season, could provide the spark that Miami desperately needs. The Memphis Grizzlies don’t want to leave their core superstar players in perfect circumstances, but after several seasons of instability, Morant’s future has been on the air and it may be time for all parties to move forward.

Low Lakers: Wiggins, Wealth

Heat: Morant

Grizzlies: Reeves, Electric Fan, 2025 first-round pick from the Warriors, 2031 first-round pick from the Heat, The Lakers have added two strong players around Luca and LeBron. We predict that Furth, Electric Fan may leave the team this summer, and the Lakers can take strategic measures to enhance their championship aspirations. Reeves is the third choice of the season, but he could be traded this summer if the player refuses the Lakers’ expected offer of at least $200 million.

Wiggins averaged 18.0 points per game and shot 44.8% from the field in the 2024-25 season, bringing versatile defense and scoring skills to the wing position. His experience and athleticism complements Doncic’s organization and James’ leadership, especially given his outstanding performance in the 2022 NBA Finals, which is a Finals MVP. Weal is a promising 21-year-old center who adds youth and athleticism to the Lakers’ frontcourt. During his rookie season, Weal averaged 9.3 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game, shooting 55.4%. His presence addressed the Lakers’ need for a vibrant big man who could protect the rim and finish shooting around the rim. There is no doubt that he will immediately upgrade to Lakers' center contenders last season, Jaxon Hayes and Alex Ren.

The Heat are looking for a revival after a 37-45 season and missing the playoffs. The acquisition of Ja Morant offers the opportunity to form a new Big Three with Bam Adebayo and Taylor Hero. As our previous article shows, Morant is one of the main targets for the Miami Heat, averaging 23.2 points, 7.3 assists and 4.1 rebounds in the 2024-25 season. The superstar demonstrated his dynamic organization and scoring ability, even though he played only 50 games and handled more controversy.

His explosive athleticism and leadership can revive the Heat's offense and bring excitement to Miami, and he can instantly become Jimmy Butler's superstar replacement. While Morant’s tenure in Memphis included some off-court issues, the changing environment and the Heat’s strong organizational culture may provide him with the structure he needs to thrive.

Miami's history of maximizing its player potential under head coach Spoel indicates that Morant's inclusion is a good sign. His joining brought the Heat back into the Eastern Conference playoffs and potentially compete for the championship. The Grizzlies have launched a rebuild around Jaren and Bain Jr.

The Memphis Grizzlies have faced early playoff exits and internal challenges over the past few seasons, and they are ready to re-tune their roster around Jaren Jackson Jr.

. and Desmond Bain. The exchange of Ja Morant for Austin Reeve, Dorian Finney-Smith (via signing deal) and two first-round picks from Miami offers a new start.

Reeves averaged 20.2 points, 5.8 assists and 4.5 rebounds in the 2024-25 season, bringing versatility and scoring skills to the backcourt. He was able to play two defenders, which complemented Bain’s Sharpshooter and Jackson’s inside presence. Finney Smith added defensive ability and three-pointers to the Grizzlies' wing rotation. In the 2024-25 season, he averaged 8.7 points, 3.9 rebounds per game and shot 41.1% from outside the three-point line. His experience and versatility make him a valuable addition to the young core of Memphis. The addition of future first-round draft picks provides the Grizzlies with additional assets that can continue to build for the future.

This deal allows Memphis to move forward as a redefined identity, focusing on a cohesive and balanced lineup. By acquiring players that fit their system and culture, the Grizzlies laid the foundation for their continued success in the Western Conference, even without head coach Taylor Jenkins, who was unexpectedly fired at the end of the season.