The Memphis Grizzlies have been in trade discussions with the Celtics about Tyreke Evans. Could they pry away a first-round pick from them?
For some reason, the Memphis Grizzlies and the Boston Celtics have been the SpongeBob and Patrick of the NBA when it comes to trading. Meaning, they’re trade buddies. Just in recent memory, they did a Courtney Lee, Jerryd Bayless swap in 2013. They pulled off a deal that sent Jeff Green to Memphis — and the pick that holds the Grizzlies’ future is with Boston now. Earlier this summer, prior to the Kyrie trade, Marc Gasol’s name was linked to Boston. Now, it’s looking like Tyreke Evans may be on his way to Boston.
The Memphis Grizzlies have shut down Evans until a deal is done. The objective of the deal is to acquire a first-round pick in return.
From what it looks like, Boston seems to be a little reluctant on fulfilling the Grizzlies’ wish.
Should Danny Ainge cave in and give up an asset for — what’s essentially — a rental of Tyreke Evans? Could the Grizzlies convince them to do so?
Why Boston could give up the pick
Boston might have their best shot to reach the Finals since LeBron’s return to Cleveland — but really since he went to Miami. The Cavaliers are imploding as we speak, and one more piece off the bench could push them towards the Finals.
With Tyreke Evans, he could surely help their chances. He’s a big guard who could play positions 1-3 and give Kyrie some regular season rest. Evans has been a huge contributor for the Grizzlies, averaging 19.5 points, five rebounds and five assists. In addition, he’s in the middle of a career year when it comes to shooting the ball from deep. In Brad Stevens’ “position-less basketball” philosophy, Evans’ size and playmaking is welcoming.
Aside from Marcus Smart — and now Greg Monroe — the Celtics don’t have a scoring punch off the bench. Luckily, that’s Evans’ forte.
Why would you not give up a pick that’ll probably be the 28th pick in the draft for a player who could help you win a championship now? Besides, they possess plenty of first-round picks through trades:
- Lakers’ 2018 first-round pick if it falls 2-5.
- If Lakers’ pick conveys to Philadelphia, Boston will receive the more favorable of Philadelphia and Sacramento’s pick — no. 1 pick protected.
- Grizzlies’ 2019 first-round pick, 1-8 protected. 1-6 protected in 2020, and unprotected in 2021.
- Clippers’ 2019 first-round pick, lottery-protected in 2019 and 2020.
So yeah, they have plenty of assets.
It may take some convincing, but the Grizzlies should definitely attempt to bait them into taking Tyreke Evans for a first-round pick.
Next: Possible landing spots for Tyreke Evans
Is it possible though?
If it was above a 75 percent chance of happening, a trade would’ve gone down by now.
A first-round pick is what the Grizzlies want for him, and any offer including that will sell them. However, this is Danny Ainge they’re dealing with; he loves his assets.
Draft picks is an easy, cheap way of building depth, and Ainge realizes it. Yes, the draft is a crapshoot, but Ainge has made his living off his draft-night success for the past several seasons.
Unless Chris Wallace blackmails him, or offers the trade a few hours after drinking a bottle of Jack Daniels’ Tennessee whiskey with him, getting a first-round pick from Ainge seems unlikely.
However, given the luxurious assets they already possess, it’s worth being persistent.