Would Maurice Harkless Make Sense for Memphis Grizzlies?

Feb 12, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic small forward Maurice Harkless (21) shoots a layup against the Memphis Grizzlies during the second half at Amway Center. Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Orlando Magic 86-81. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

With the Orlando Magic attempting to dump forward Maurice Harkless, could the Memphis Grizzlies soon be interested in talking trade?

Maurice Harkless is reportedly being shopped by the Orlando Magic as the NBA Trade Deadline nears.

Harkless has produced career averages of 7.1 PPG, 1.9 RPG, 45.9% field goal shooting, and 31.7% three-point field goal shooting. Not largely impressive numbers, but he is a young former first round draft pick that has not yet found his niche in the league.

Could the Memphis Grizzlies find use in the 21-year-old small forward? Possibly.

Memphis’ Vince Carter is still on the mend from a leg injury and rookie Jordan Adams may not be ready for big minutes just yet.

Nov 22, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic forward Maurice Harkless (21) during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game at Amway Center. The Miami Heat beat the Orlando Magic 99-92. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

Being as Harkless could be had for cheap, if the report is true, the Grizzlies just may be in luck in adding to their bench depth. The two main Grizzlies players that are stuck in the mud right now are Nick Calathes and Jon Leuer.

The Magic seem to be looking for the right pieces to get their rebuilding program headed in the right direction. Calathes and/or Leuer might be two suitable pieces just for Orlando and their ongoing project.

Via the ESPN Trade Machine, the basics of a such deal could potentially look like this:

Orlando receives: Jon Leuer (owed $967,500 with two years remaining on contract) and Nick Calathes (owed $816,482 with one year remaining on contract)

Memphis receives: Maurice Harkless (owed $1,887,840 with two years remaining on contract)

From this particular deal, the ESPN Trade Machine predicts the Grizzlies affecting their win percentage by -1 wins. For the Magic, they would have no fluctuation in win percentage.

Why make this deal?

The Memphis Grizzlies would get a little younger while clearing up a big of a logjam in their bench rotation, all while keeping great depth as they prepare for a title run.

The Orlando Magic would perhaps be slightly more equipped in their rebuilding mode. They will have two players coming from a team that provided them with winning and contending ways in which Calathes and Leuer could mentor the youthful Magic players.

Nov 24, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (0) and center Anderson Varejao (17) defend a shot by Orlando Magic forward Maurice Harkless (21) in the first quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

By all means, this is not a significant move for either team, but player movement regardless. Even a slight addition to the Grizzlies’ bench could help them win an extra game or two in the NBA Playoffs.

It is all or nothing for the Memphis Grizzlies. The countdown is on.

Keep checking BealeStreetBears.com for the latest news regarding the Memphis Grizzlies as today’s 3:00 P.M. ET NBA Trade Deadline approaches.

Go Grizz!

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