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NBA Trade Rumors: Memphis Grizzlies Eyeing Rockets’ Brandon Knight, Pick

By Christian Dudley

OAKLAND, CA - JANUARY 3: Brandon Knight #2 of the Houston Rockets handles the ball against the Golden State Warriors on January 3, 2019 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. 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 Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - JANUARY 3: Brandon Knight #2 of the Houston Rockets handles the ball against the Golden State Warriors on January 3, 2019 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. 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 Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Memphis Grizzlies NBA Trade Rumors Brandon Knight
Memphis Grizzlies NBA Trade Rumors have routinely involved JaMychal Green and Garrett Temple (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /

Likely Trade Structure

As Kevin O’Connor explained, the Houston Rockets want to get rid of Brandon Knight’s contract. The Kentucky product is owed $14.6 million this season and he is under contract through the 2019-20 season. Plus, he does not fit within the system. He is leftover trade fodder, and H-Town wants to flip him for something of value as they prepare to make a serious run at the NBA Finals this year.

The Rockets want to get rid of Brandon Knight so badly that they are willing to give up their first round pick this year. At this rate, it will be a late-round selection, but still, a first rounder is a first rounder.

Not only is Knight earning a lot of cash for minimal contribution, but his deal greatly impacts Houston on the books next season, too. Shedding his deal now will allow them to bolster their roster regardless the end result of their title hopes a few months from now.

Draft picks are exactly what the Memphis Grizzlies are looking for. It is a key factor in all of the numerous NBA trade rumors surrounding their organization. It is no secret that the Grizz are ready to rebuild, and it must start with Draft picks. Trading for one now guarantees a selection in June as it is uncertain if they will retain or convey their 2019 first rounder to the Boston Celtics.

Related Story. Memphis Grizzlies Rumors: Team Prefers Their Pick to Convey to Boston. light

One particular trade structure makes a lot of sense for both the Grizzlies and Rockets. Memphis has some key trade chips in big man JaMychal Green and swingman Garrett Temple as they are both playing on expiring contracts at approximately $8 million each.

The Rockets should jump at the opportunity to add Green and Temple by losing just one current player from their roster, who just so happens to be their most inefficient guy. Houston will get two guys that can play defense, bring veteran experience and leadership to the table, and like most of the other Rockets players, shoot the three-ball.

Alternatively, at this point, Brandon Knight is an afterthought. He has not played in a game since January 11th. He owns a 0.9 Player Efficiency Rating on just 12.9 minutes of action. Knight is shooting 23.4% from the field, including 15.6% from long-range. Saying that he is not a good fit in Houston is an understatement.

By sending him to Memphis, the Grizzlies get a point guard that can get back to a system that is more suitable for his skill set. If and when Mike Conley is dealt, this will open more of an opportunity for Knight all while the Grizz continue to develop their current youth. It will help them be slightly more competitive during the rebuilding phase of the 2019-20 NBA season.

This trade structure has win-win written all over it and there is not much risk involved for either party. Houston does not even need their 2019 first round Draft pick being as they are nearly a guarantee for a Western Conference Finals appearance if not beyond.

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