It is becoming increasingly likely to see a trade involving the Memphis Grizzlies on the night of the 2018 NBA Draft.
There have been some legitimate rumblings over the past week relative to the Memphis Grizzlies and a significant trade. Being as it is now officially NBA Draft week, there are sure to be plenty of rumors flying around over the next few days.
However, the Memphis Grizzlies franchise is becoming more prominent in NBA Draft trade talks. On Monday, Marc Stein of The New York Times reiterated Memphis’ openness to dealing their No. 4 overall pick.
The Grizzlies, meanwhile, continue to receive significant trade interest in the No. 4 pick in scenarios where they would also send out Chandler Parsons. The Grizz are said to be taking more calls than they're making, but staying in the high lottery is obviously crucial to Memphis https://t.co/Z3dPjwvs7A
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 18, 2018
The only catch for interested teams is the trade partner must be willing accept the final two years of Chandler Parsons’ large contract. Parsons is owed $24 million in the 2018-19 season and $25 million in 2019-20. There is no team or player option on the final year.
Shockingly enough, teams are showing interest in taking the risk on Parsons. He has been disappointing since signing with the Grizzlies via Free-Agency in the summer of 2016. After making a name for himself as a playmaking point-forward that can shoot the lights out, injuries have plagued Chandler Parsons’ performance in Memphis.
Though Parsons could display full health and return to his top-notch form that earned him the maximum contract, NBA teams are more interested in the fourth overall pick. This particular NBA Draft is so talented that teams are willing to swallow a bad contract in an attempt to land the NBA’s next big name.
For the Memphis Grizzlies, a star is needed. Parsons has not been the elite player they thought they were getting when he signed on the dotted line two years ago. If they could swap the No. 4 pick in addition to Chandler Parsons, for say, the No. 7 overall pick and filler, they would probably pull the trigger. Again, this is a deep Draft and a star could emerge from a mid-round selection. The Grizzlies are definitely putting all their chips in a pile to try to win now before their veteran core’s days dwindle to a close.
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There are currently no specific offers that have been made public. However, that could change at any hour this week. If the Memphis were to agree on a Draft Night deal, there are a handful of valuable ideas that could realistically result in multiple picks being sent to the Grizzlies.
The forecast for Thursday, June 21st in Memphis, Tennessee looks to be cloudy with a chance of trade. Continue to follow Beale Street Bears as your one-stop-shop for all things pertinent of your Memphis Grizzlies.
Go Grizz!