While the Memphis Grizzlies are one of the elites of the Western Conference, one NBA insider believes they have the chips to make a trade for a “star player” that could make them serious NBA title contenders in the spring.
The Grizzlies are off to another strong start in 2022-2023. Heading into Wednesday, they are only a half-game out of the top spot in the conference. Ja Morant has fast become one of the league’s up-and-coming superstars and his supporting cast has risen to the occasion this season.
Yet, that doesn’t mean they will stand pat with their current roster, or that the organization isn’t open to making big changes if the opportunity arises.
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During the summer, the Memphis Grizzlies were a dark horse candidate to land Kevin Durant on the trade market before he opted for another season in Brooklyn. And it seems those same valuable trade chips they offered to the Nets could be used ahead of the NBA trade deadline on a different star player.
4 players Memphis Grizzlies could target at the NBA trade deadline
During an appearance on Fan Duel TV earlier this week, The Athletic’s NBA insider Shams Charania went into detail on the valuable trade chips the Grizzlies can offer up in a potential blockbuster deal at the deadline.
“The good thing about them is they have all their flexibility moving forward. When you look at Danny Green’s contract — he’s making around $10 million a year — they have like five first-round picks to play with. And those were the picks they put on the table in any deal for Kevin Durant when they inquired on him in the summer.
“… The fact that they have all their picks, they have Danny Green, they can really go get a star player out there in the marketplace whenever that guy becomes available.”
– Shams Charania on Grizzlies trade potential
The Grizzlies have all of their first-round picks for the rest of the decade, and two in 2024. While it is unclear if the organization will make a bold move to get Ja Morant a star sidekick, here are four players that could be available and good fits for a Memphis Grizzlies playoff run.
DeMar DeRozan
Entering the new year, the Chicago Bulls reside outside the NBA playoff picture. This season has been disastrous and there is a great deal of speculation that 2021 All-Stars DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine could be up for grabs. Of the two, DeRozan is more likely to be moved and could be an excellent veteran-scoring addition to the Grizzlies’ roster.
Bradley Beal
The Washington Wizards are tenth in the Eastern Conference currently. Not a place they were hoping to be after giving Bradley Beal a massive contract extension in the offseason. It’s been suggested for the last few years that the Wizards could finally trade Beal and begin a full-blown rebuild. Now, would be the time to pull the trigger on a deal while his value is still high. A potential Morant-Beal backcourt could be scary.
Julius Randle
After a recent hot streak, the New York Knicks have slipped back down the Eastern Conference standings. The team would prefer to be competitive and make the playoffs in 2023, however, they would not be against moving Julius Randle’s contract while his stock is on the rise.
Randle could be an interesting addition for the Memphis Grizzlies and allow them to put out a formidable small-ball lineup — with Jaren Jackson, Jr. at the center — against other top teams during the playoffs.
OG Anuoby
OG Anunoby is reportedly one of the most sought-after players in the league. While he has not earned All-Star honors during his career, he has taken major development steps forward in recent seasons and Memphis could see him not only as a short-term upgrade, but also a long-term piece on a championship contender for years to come.