Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN tweeted the news we had been waiting on for over two weeks now. Memphis Grizzlies guard Tyreke Evans will be heading to one of these four teams.
Three frontrunners (Boston, Denver and Philadelphia) and a fourth team (Miami) staying engaged on Memphis' Tyreke Evans, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 6, 2018
It’s really funny, because the general manager isn’t switching it up on fans at all. Wallace has a weird fetish with trading with organizations that he used to be a part of. The Boston Celtics and Miami Heat have been the center of a lot of Grizzlies trades. Say what you want about Wallace, but he has stayed true to his exes. On a serious note, the first round pick in a trade is still in play for the Grizzlies.
This is a huge part of the deal, because when the Grizzlies hit the lottery in this upcoming draft, they could possibly have two picks in the first round.
However, with Wallace watching over this deal, we should pump the brakes on what the organization gets back in return. Telling you that Wallace will pull through on a big-time trade just is not fair to the fans. The fans have been underwhelmed with numerous trades that Wallace has made throughout his time in Memphis. So, I’m going to give you a realistic side of the Evans drama.
Possible return?
Memphis possibly won’t get a first-round pick for Evans, and if they do, Philadelphia is the most likely choice. The Sixers have been rumored trying to clear cap space for a run at LeBron James this summer. Giving up a first-round pick, plus some contracts for Memphis to take on would help Philadelphia.
Boston, however has a collection of draft picks, but Danny Ainge won’t give those picks away. If the Grizzlies go the Celtics route, it might be Marcus Smart and two second rounders — if that.
Miami is the Grizzlies’ last hope, if these first two options don’t work. While the pick(s) is unclear, the Heat have mentioned moving on from Justice Winslow, who in his short time in Miami has shown progression.
Next: Could Grizz get a first-round pick from Boston?
The Trade Deadline is Thursday, February 8th, and will be electric with final moves from playoff contenders and teams preparing for the lottery. For the Grizzlies, it’ll be making moves to maintain a winning culture outside of this season.
Look for the Memphis Grizzlies to get a late first-round pick or several second-rounder’s for Tyreke Evans.