Memphis Grizzlies Trade Jeff Green To Clippers For Lance Stephenson
The Memphis Grizzlies made a deal towards the end of the deadline to send Jeff Green to the Los Angeles Clippers for Lance Stephenson.
In a surprising move at the end of the NBA‘s trade deadline, the Memphis Grizzlies moved Jeff Green to the Los Angeles Clippers for Lance Stephenson and a 2019 first-round pick according to ESPN’s Zach Lowe.
Clippers have acquired Jeff Green, sources say.
— Zach Lowe (@ZachLowe_NBA) February 18, 2016
Believe this is a heavily-protected 2019 first-rounder. Grizz have been trying to move Green for a while. https://t.co/sUkQLBnZbB
— Zach Lowe (@ZachLowe_NBA) February 18, 2016
This move came as a surprise to many except for the Memphis Commercial Appeal’s Ronald Tillery who talked about Green’s standing in the Grizzlies’ locker room and mentioned a few choice words according to Bill Simmons’ new media outlet The Ringer.
"His attitude hasn’t been the best ... And I know of a guy who matters in that locker room that wanted to wring his neck." via @cagrizbeat
— The Ringer (@ringer) February 18, 2016
There were rumblings earlier this season that Green didn’t have much longer with Memphis because of disagreements between him and the coaching staff/front office, but to move him for the league’s most well-known headache in Stephenson isn’t necessarily an answer.
The good news for the Grizzlies is that they get a first-round pick out of the deal, which if not protected properly could become a lottery pick for Memphis later on, but throwing Stephenson into the locker room isn’t a wise move in terms of competing this season.
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Just because the Grizzlies aren’t likely to win a championship this year doesn’t mean they aren’t trying to win basketball games. Stephenson hasn’t shot the ball remotely well ever since he left the Indiana Pacers to go to the Charlotte Hornets and needs the ball in his hands to do anything remotely positive on offense. I’m not sure Mike Conley is going to take a liking to that style of play very much.
Can Stephenson be a productive defensive player on the wing? Yes because he can guard both shooting guards and small forwards. He’s even found himself able to handle point guards at times because of his quickness and length. But Memphis has enough defensive grit and toughness with Tony Allen on the perimeter. They didn’t need Stephenson to come in and help in that area.
How will this move play out for the Grizzlies this season and beyond? Let us know down in the comments!