After a disappointing first-round ouster in the 2023 NBA Playoffs, the Memphis Grizzlies are expected to be “extremely aggressive” in the summer trade market and could be targeting a few All-Star-level talents.
The Memphis Grizzlies 2022-2023 campaign was messy at times and disappointing. While they remained one of the top teams in the Western Conference and on our NBA power rankings throughout the season, the new year was filled with a great deal of drama and failed attempts to upgrade the roster.
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Superstar Ja Morant made headlines for his antics off the court and eventual suspension by the NBA that threw a wrench into the team’s momentum. Then they were unsuccessful in trying to improve the roster at the NBA trade deadline like other contending teams. In the end, it led to a trip to the playoffs but was sent home early by a better Los Angeles Lakers squad.
The Memphis Grizzlies now head into the offseason with a clear goal: Get better. A lot better. The first step towards that was by letting 3-and-D ace Dillon Brooks know his services are no longer required. On a Wednesday edition of the “Howdy Partners” podcast, ESPN NBA insider Tim MacMahon explained how the next could be a hard push for impact players in the trade market.
“They will continue to be, and Zach Kleiman made this clear the other day, extremely aggressive — I believe were the exact words he used — in the trade market. … OG Anunoby, maybe that’s something they can revisit. Put that on the list of, hey, at least you try and reignite the limited conversation the Raptors were willing to have [this season]. To me, I do call the Nets and say, ‘Hey, Dorian Finney-Smith, Royce O’Neal, you don’t need both those guys, what can we talk about.'”
– Tim MacMahon
With the Memphis Grizzlies having all of their future draft picks and the Golden State Warriors first-round pick in 2024, let’s look at some notable players they are likely to target this summer.
OG Anunoby
Toronto Raptors’ young star OG Anunoby was the belle of the NBA trade deadline ball in February. However, despite all the rumors and speculation, he was not shipped off. That very well could change this summer and he would be the perfect replacement for Dillon Brooks.
He is an elite-level defender who is just as good a scorer as Brooks at his best and has not even reached his ceiling. However, the asking price is expected to be Donovan Mitchell-levels with many other teams likely in the running.
Dorian Finney-Smith
Dorian Finney-Smith is not an addition that will blow Memphis Grizzlies fans’ hair back but he is a nice rotation player that fits and would come at a far less expensive cost. At 29 he still has potential in him if given an expanded role and would be a solid replacement for Brooks heading into next season.
Khris Middleton
Three-time All-Star Khris Middleton would certainly give the Grizzlies the extra offensive punch they need and at a position they have an opening. However, there are some questions about him going into the summer. He missed a good part of this season recovering from wrist surgery and he could opt out of his contract next month.
If he does opt out, a sign-and-trade could be an option, or a straight-up trade is another way to go if he opts into the $40 million left on his deal. There is certainly some risk long-term because of his wrist, but he is the sort of impact player they really could use next season to make things even easier for Morant and Desmond Bane.
DeMar DeRozan or Zach LaVine
Chicago Bulls stars DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine could be up for grabs this summer if the team looks to blow up the roster after a disappointing finish to this season. LaVine seems more likely to be the odd man out after clashes with head coach Billy Donovan this season. However, DeRozan would come at a more affordable rate.
Either would be a nice edition for Memphis and a major offensive upgrade that could be slotted into the starting lineup next season.