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Grizzlies’ Jeff Green Has Takers if Available via Trade

By Christian Dudley

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Apr 29, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Jeff Green (32) celebrates after scoring against the Portland Trailblazers in game five of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at FedExForum. Memphis defeated Portland 99-93. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

The Memphis Grizzlies’ Jeff Green has exercised his player option to remain with the Grizz, but could he be traded prior to next season?

In case you missed it, the Memphis Grizzlies’ Jeff Green has exercised his player option for the final year of his contract, meaning that he is locked in with the Grizz for the upcoming 2015-16 season. Basically, he has guaranteed himself a nice salary of $9.2 million for the next year.

It was unsure if Green would opt in with the Grizzlies. If he would have decided against opting in, he would have become a free-agent. He had a subpar postseason individually and he did not reach the performance level that Grizz Nation expected him to showcase, so it is unlikely that he would have received a more lucrative contract offer(s) from another team(s) this summer.

However, there has already been a few teams express their interest in the Grizzlies’ Jeff Green if Memphis decides to part ways with him. Given this fact, it is apparent that opponents do not mind the high price tag of a player that repeatedly shot below 30% from the field in the 2015 NBA Playoffs.

Cam Rose of ‘901 Grizz’ reports that there are at least two teams that have made their interests of Jeff Green known. It sounds as if there will be other clubs to add to the list very soon.

The Chicago Bulls and Washington Wizards? Both teams are very interesting for the Grizzlies.

The Bulls have been in the headlines this past week due to the fact that one of their stars–Jimmy Butler–could very well leave the city to head to another team, such as the Los Angeles Lakers. Jeff Green could help fill the void in Chicago on the wing as a small forward if Butler bolts.

Apr 3, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Jeff Green (32) celebrates after a dunk in the second quarter as Oklahoma City Thunder guard Anthony Morrow (2) looks on at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

For the Wizards of Washington, D.C., Jeff Green is probably partial of their franchise because he is from that area. It would be a homecoming for him if he were to be traded to the Wizards. There may be an opening for him in their starting lineup because forward Paul Piece has been rumored to have a desire to land with the Los Angeles Clippers and reunite with Head Coach Doc Rivers in what could be Pierce’s final season in the NBA. If that scenario were to become a reality, the Wizards could receive a greater benefit from running Jeff Green at small forward rather than the raw-talented Otto Porter.

But wait. Could the Memphis Grizzlies receive Otto Porter via trade with the Washington Wizards?

Washington has not given any indication of wanting to dump Porter. The young man has began to show some promise–and a decent outside shot–while still having plenty of untapped potential left in the tank. It is hard to see the Wizards and Grizzlies swapping small forwards. A Green-to-Washington deal with the Wizards keeping Porter may stunt the growth of Otto, too.

One major factor is that the Memphis Grizzlies may not find anything that is of greater benefit to them when searching for a trade partner in a potential Jeff Green transaction. Memphis may realize that Green has performed well enough to warrant his worth in a Grizz uniform.

February 2, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Jeff Green (32) celebrates after making a basket while being fouled by Phoenix Suns guard Eric Bledsoe (2, not pictured) as forward Markieff Morris (11, left) reacts during the fourth quarter at US Airways Center. The Grizzlies defeated the Suns 102-101. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

After all, with a offseason, training camp, and preseason, Jeff Green could very well find his offense and a rhythm with the Grizzlies. It could be as simple as JG just needing extra time to get acclimated to his teammates and his surroundings. He at least showed flashes of being great for the franchise and did not lay an egg the entire half of a season he was in Memphis in 2014-15.

Personally, I believe the Grizzlies should field trade offers to see if they could receive an appetizing trade package–perhaps something that steps the team up another notch. If nothing is too appealing, I am fine with the club standing pat. I really do believe the best of Jeff Green is to come as a member of the Memphis Grizzlies. He will find that rhythm. Whether that will be as a starter or a reserve remains to be seen, but I have faith in #32.

Grizz Nation, what would you like to see happen with Jeff Green–remain as a Grizzly or send him to another destination via trade?

Stay tuned to Beale Street Bears this offseason for the latest news, opinions, and other info regarding your Memphis Grizzlies!

Go Grizz!

Next: Could Robert Upshaw be the Grizzlies' Draft Selection?

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