The Memphis Grizzlies may find an opportunity. The Spurs might have to part with some long-term pieces if they wish to acquire Chris Paul. Could Danny Green find himself in a Grizzlies’ uniform next season?
The rumors that the Spurs are interested in Chris Paul have been recently gaining traction. With a core of Kawhi Leonard, Chris Paul and LaMarcus Aldridge, the Spurs are surely capable of being an even more superior threat in the Western Conference. However, the Spurs will have to make some hard roster decisions to be able to acquire Paul.
For the most in-depth analysis of the Spurs’ salary cap situation, you can visit here. This is a Grizzlies’ article after all! Essentially, the Spurs must waive and/or trade certain players to create the cap space necessary to sign Chris Paul. Along with renouncing several current free agents, Tony Parker is set to make $15.5 million next season and could be moved to help the Spurs create some of the needed room. However, that scenario is unlikely due to his legacy as well as his low trade value (contract and injury).
Danny Green, on the other hand, is much more likely to be traded. With a team-friendly deal of 4 years, $45 million, he’ll have plenty of suitors willing to take on his contract, one of which should definitely be the Memphis Grizzlies.
Walking to Memphis
Having between $9-10 million in cap space this offseason, the Memphis Grizzlies can absorb Green’s contract from the Spurs. If this opportunity does present itself, the Grizzles should absolutely try to get the guy who holds the NBA Finals record for threes in a series.
The Grizzlies would greatly welcome his combination of three-point shooting and defense in the starting lineup. Despite some frustrating inconsistency, Green is still a top 3-and-D player in the league. As a 40 percent career 3-point shooter, he would provide much-needed spacing. However, his biggest contribution would come on the defensive end. In their last playoff series, the Grizzlies showed that they simply don’t have a guy that can slow down a superstar if Tony Allen isn’t playing. Danny Green spent a majority of his time in the playoffs guarding Mike Conley, James Harden, and Kevin Durant. He can fill this role for the Grizzlies, especially if Tony Allen walks.
Danny Green is so Memphis that it hurts. He’s a gritty, tough player that only cares about wanting to make his team better. He has earned a reputation around the league as a blue-collar, high-character player. Even when his shot isn’t falling, Green is a guy you want in your locker room.
Related Story: Grizzlies: Offseason Priorities
Conclusion
All things considered, Danny Green and Memphis are a match made in heaven. The Spurs may decide it simply isn’t worth gutting their roster to acquire an aging point guard, and Danny Green may remain a Spur. However, if he’s made available, the Grizzlies better deliver a Beale Street beatdown to get to the front of the line.