Memphis Grizzlies shopping Tyreke Evans for a first-round pick?

Let the rumors begin! In ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski’s recent trade column, he says the Memphis Grizzlies are shopping Tyreke Evans for a first-round pick. Could a trade be done?

Ladies and gentlemen, it’s trade season. It’s that time of year you turn on your notifications for Adrian Wojnarowksi and Shams Charania to get trade news as early as possible. If you’re a Memphis Grizzlies fan, you want to tune in, because they’re looking for a first-round pick for Tyreke Evans:

"Memphis wants to find a first-round pick for Tyreke Evans, but that is likely to prove difficult. The Grizzlies have missed in several drafts on first-rounders, including the waiving of 2015 No. 17 pick Wade Baldwin, and need to replenish their stock of picks. As a rental on an expiring deal, it is hard to imagine Evans delivering that kind of a return."

This news has been speculation for months as the Grizzlies are approaching a rebuilding period and simply can’t afford to keep Tyreke Evans. After netting a $3,000,000 contract last summer, he has played his way into a substantial raise. With the max contracts of Marc Gasol, Chandler Parsons and Mike Conley, signing anyone is already hard enough. When you factor in JaMychal Green and Ben McLemore’s contracts, it’s simply impossible to keep Tyreke Evans.

While he’s playing at a career-best level, it’s simply business to try to cash in on a rising stock.

Whether or not, they can get a first-round pick for his services is questionable — given he’s going to make above the mid-level exception (MLE) this summer. If a team doesn’t see him as more than a half-season rental, they might bite their tongue on accepting a deal. However, there may be some contenders who see him as a missing piece to a deep playoff run.

Who should you watch for?

• Boston has an influx of picks and young talent, but they lack a dynamic playmaking scorer off the bench. If they’re willing to dump off this year’s first-round pick for Evans, they would find a nice sixth man to give Kyrie Irving more of a rest.
• Detroit has been a surprise this year as they’re flirting with the top four in the Eastern Conference. Aside from Reggie Jackson, they lack an above-average ball-handler and playmaker. If they’re focused on winning now, they should keep an eye on Tyreke Evans.
• Washington is another Eastern Conference team in win-now mode. After surrendering a first-round pick last season, they might be unwilling to deal a pick for a half-season rental of Tyreke Evans. However, their bench is shallow, and a player like Evans would be a huge lift.

Next: Guide to successful 2018, January-April

Closing Remarks

Tyreke Evans has been the lone bright spot this season, and losing him will be a blow. It’ll essentially erase any sort of joy this season brought.

However, the Grizzlies need to acquire as many assets as possible. They have an influx of young talent, but none of them are eye-opening prospects. Maybe a late first-rounder pick could help them find the next Kyle Kuzma.