Should the Memphis Grizzlies Trade for Jazz C Kanter?

Dec 22, 2014; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) guards Utah Jazz center Enes Kanter (0) during the game at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

According to recent reports, Enes Kanter wants out of Utah so that he can have the opportunity to play for a team more suited for him.

Enes Kanter is a 7’0″ center from Turkey that is averaging 13.8 points and 7.8 rebounds per game this season–on his way to his best yet.

Kanter was the third overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft and is just 22 years old. The big man has plenty of potential that he is very capable of unleashing if given a larger role. Even though the Utah Jazz no longer have two big-time players (Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap) that were playing ahead of Enes Kanter when he entered the league, they now seem more focused in rebuilding around frontcourt youngsters Derrick Favors, Trevor Booker, Rudy Gobert, and Jeremy Evans.

What would the Memphis Grizzlies have to trade to Utah in order to receive Enes Kanter?

This is how a potential deal would work. The Grizzlies would receive Enes Kanter ($5.694M/1 year). The Jazz would receive Kosta Koufos ($3M/1 year), Jon Leuer ($967.5K/2 years), and Nick Calathes ($816.482K/1 year).

How would this benefit both teams?

Mar 26, 2014; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) shoots against Utah Jazz center Enes Kanter (0) during the first half at EnergySolutions Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

The Utah Jazz receive a few strong bench contributors and veteran players than can help them through this rebuilding process, although as calculated by the ESPN Trade Machine, they would lose an estimate of three more games after the trade. Utah would also relieve themselves of a disgruntled player.

The Memphis Grizzlies would get younger while shedding a couple cheaper expiring deals. More minutes would open up for their young guns–Jarnell Stokes, Jordan Adams, and Russ Smith. The Grizz may be able to utilize Kanter in a way to fulfill his potential and form him into a star center on both ends of the court. From the Trade Machine, it is estimated that the Grizzlies would pick up one additional win after making this deal.

Could the Memphis Grizzlies land Enes Kanter to add to their bench depth? While the Grizz are not currently rumored in any trade schemes with the Jazz, this is another case, such as the Jeff Green deal, where Memphis could land a solid talent for cheap.

Be sure to keep an eye on BealeStreetBears.com as the NBA Trade Deadline approaches this upcoming Thursday, February 19th.

Readers: What do you think of this trade idea? Would it benefit the Grizz and their title hopes? Please share your thoughts with us in the comment section!

Go Grizz!

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