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Memphis Grizzlies’ NBA Trade Rumors Could Boost Indiana Amid Victor Oladipo Injury

By Christian Dudley

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - OCTOBER 17: Victor Oladipo #4 of the Indiana Pacers shoots the ball during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on October 17, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - OCTOBER 17: Victor Oladipo #4 of the Indiana Pacers shoots the ball during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on October 17, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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Memphis Grizzlies NBA Trade Rumors Victor Oladipo
Memphis Grizzlies Garrett Temple NBA Trade Rumors (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Trade Scenario Two

With the blockbuster idea out of the way, the most sensible of trade scenarios between the Memphis Grizzlies and Indiana Pacers will be small in structure. As previously mentioned, Indy is doing well, even in games without Victor Oladipo, so they only need to tweak their roster in order to cope with his impending news of a season-ending injury.

In breaking down Oladipo’s role for the Pacers, he is a two-way prodigy. He owns small forward defense in a shooting guard’s body, but he is able to take over ball-handling responsibilities when necessary.

Though this player does not score in large quantities on a such a consistent basis as Victor, Memphis’ Garrett Temple is a two-way talent that can play three positions.

For much of Temple’s NBA career, he has handled the ball as a backup point guard with the occasional starting role. This season, his first with the Grizzlies, has brought a starting opportunity for Temple. Along with it has been his best production line of any of his 10 seasons in the NBA.

He is long enough to be a defensive specialist along the perimeter and in playing the passing lanes. Knocking down open looks from three is his game, though he will not be one to create shots for himself. He is shooting 35.8% from beyond the arc this season, which should absolutely be intriguing to Indiana, a team that is fifth in the league in three-point accuracy at a combined 37.4%.

In attempt by the Indiana Pacers to not break their core apart, they could send Doug McDermott to the Memphis Grizzlies. McDermott signed a free-agent deal with the Pacers during the offseason, but with Bojan Bogdanovic‘s All-Star-caliber play, Doug has remained in the back seat. This makes his $7.33 million deal very expendable, and lightens Indy’s financial books even more in future seasons.

This move makes a lot of sense for both sides as Memphis could use more straight-shooters and less guards. Plus, Garrett Temple’s contract expires by the end of the season, which is sweetener for the Pacers to agree to a deal.

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