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Sacramento’s Jason Thompson a Trade Option for Grizzlies?

By Christian Dudley

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November 30, 2014; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings forward Jason Thompson (34) shoots the basketball against Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph (50) during the first quarter at Sleep Train Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

As the Kings’ Jason Thompson looks to get out of town in Sacramento, could he potentially be a good fit with the Memphis Grizzlies’ reserves?

Recently, it has been made known that Sacramento Kings’ power forward/center Jason Thompson wants to be traded before the NBA’s Trade Deadline this upcoming Thursday.

Thompson is a big body that could strengthen the Grizzlies’ bench as they prepare to contend for this season’s NBA title.

November 30, 2014; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings forward Jason Thompson (34) looks on during the fourth quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at Sleep Train Arena. The Grizzlies defeated the Kings 97-85. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

A crucial Game 7 of a playoff series may be decided by the battle of the benches between the Grizzlies and, say, the Golden State Warriors or Portland Trail Blazers. Jason Thompson could possibly provide enough toughness and rebounding to give Memphis the edge. He also has a bit of a midrange jumper in his arsenal.

While this is purely speculation and there has been no official interest in Thompson from the Grizzlies’ Front Office, it can be seen that a such move could benefit Memphis and their championship dreams.

Jason Thompson is averaging a career-low 5.6 points per game and nearly a career-low 6.3 rebounds per game for the 2014-15 season–also on a career-low 46.8% shooting percentage from the field. Now in his seventh NBA season, all as a member of the Kings, Thompson owns career averages of 9.5 points per game–including a 49.8% field goal percentage–and 6.9 rebounds per game.

Will the Memphis Grizzlies make a move?

Via the ESPN Trade Machine, Thompson’s contract may be too rich (just over $6 million per year for three years) for the Grizzlies’ liking. If the Grizz move anyone at all, it would most likely be Nick Calathes and/or forward Jon Leuer. Sacramento would probably be looking for something more in return, production-wise, being as Thompson has been a starting frontcourt player for them.

This matter really comes down to how badly does Sacramento want to get rid of the disgruntled Thompson and how cheaply can he be had by way of trade–two questions that should soon be answered between now and Thursday afternoon.

November 30, 2014; Sacramento, CA, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph (50) is fouled by Sacramento Kings forward Jason Thompson (34) during the third quarter at Sleep Train Arena. The Grizzlies defeated the Kings 97-85. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Even if the Grizzlies were interested in dealing with the Kings, Sacramento may still be salty about a tough loss earlier this season and therefore be nonresponsive to Memphis’ calls.

Stay tuned to BealeStreetBears.com for the latest news and speculation regarding any roster moves involving the Memphis Grizzlies as Thursday’s trade deadline draws near.

Go Grizz!

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