Following two blockbuster trades this week that made a couple of the Memphis Grizzlies’ top competitors in the Western Conference a lot better, one NBA insider believes the team could make a blockbuster deal ahead of the 3 PM ET NBA trade deadline.
The NBA, and specifically the Western Conference, has had a major shakeup over the last few days. Disgruntled superstar Kyrie Irving created a shocking ripple effect when he requested a trade out of New York last week. The demand led to his departure to the Dallas Mavericks and the shocking trade of Kevin Durant to the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night.
After being one of the two elite teams in the conference all season, the Memphis Grizzlies are no longer one of the favorites to reach the NBA Finals from the West. That is why Sports Illustrated NBA insider Chris Mannix proclaimed on Thursday morning that the Grizzlies are “a team to watch today.”
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With Memphis having lost eight of their last 10 and teams like the Mavericks, Suns, and Lakers — following a trade of D’Angelo Russell — have all gotten significantly better this week, there is a case to be made they need to catch up in this arms race.
The Memphis Grizzlies have all of their first-round picks for the rest of the decade — including two in 2024 — and several young players that would be worthwhile chips in a deal. If they do make a blockbuster move today, here are four players they could target ahead of the NBA trade deadline.
Khris Middleton
It was reported yesterday that the Milwaukee Bucks could be open to the idea of moving three-time All-Star Khris Middleton for the right kind of move. The Grizzles could see the man that was key in helping the Bucks win a championship two years ago as the missing piece in their championship puzzle.
Obviously, Milwaukee would want some notable players in return, but this could be a move for both teams where they swap key players — Jaren Jackson and Dillon Brooks, perhaps — that are a better fit on a pair of rosters that are very good but just short of serious title contenders currently.
OG Anunoby
Recently, the Memphis Grizzles have been linked to highly sought-after Toronto Raptors defensive ace OG Anunoby. All indications are Toronto will wait until the very last minute to move him and is looking for at least three first-round picks in return. However, the Grizz have the picks and young players to make a deal happen for a player that would be a fantastic addition to cover the likes of Durant and Luka Doncic in possible playoff matchups.
Zach LaVine
This may be a pie-in-the-sky scenario, but again, the Memphis Grizzlies have the sort of assets that would make any team consider a deal for their top stars. Especially an organization like the Chicago Bulls who are in the midst of a very disappointing season and two-time All-Star Zach LaVinenot being on good terms with the organization.
While a Doncic-Irving and Devin Booker-Chris Paul backcourt are maybe the two best in the conference, a Ja Morant-LaVine combo could be phenomenal in the spring.
Pascal Siakim
OG Anunoby and Fred VanVleet are the most likely players the Raptors move Thursday, however, the Memphis Grizzlies could make the Raptors an offer they can’t refuse for incumbent superstar Pascal Siakim. While it would certainly cost more than Anunoby, a Siakim and Morant combo could be dynamite now and for years to come. Making it a move that is worth the massive price during this current western arms race.