NBA Trade Rumors: Predicting Moves By Memphis Grizzlies Prior to NBA Trade Deadline
Take Two:
Chance of Trade: 70%
Best Trade Possibility: Mike Conley to Utah Jazz
A.J. Salah: “The NBA Trade Deadline has become an exciting, but nauseating, buildup. The NBA trade rumors and inevitable deals make for constant action and adapting; re-shaping the league before our eyes.
Also rampant is the speculation by keyboard warriors who are so positive as to what a franchise should and will do. Anyone with an internet connection can claim to be a prophet in this age. But unless you’re among the select few within or directly plugged into a Front Office, all the rest of us can do is read the signs.
The Memphis Grizzlies’ priority seems to be unloading one or both of Mike Conley and Marc Gasol; franchise pillars who will only hurt their immediate lottery equity. Where there’s smoke, there’s generally fire, and Conley to the Utah Jazz has been by far the most consistent of NBA trade rumors surrounding the Grizzlies.
Related Story. NBA Trade Rumors: 5 Destinations for Memphis Grizzlies' Mike Conley. light
That said, Memphis’ focus needs to shift a few years forward, as such anyone outside of Jaren Jackson Jr could be on the trade block. Conley’s contract and Gasol’s age complicate a trade for either star. Moving a lesser piece might be easier, and the Grizzlies’ Front Office has already proven willing to sit at the deadline if displeased by offers.
Still, count on Mike Conley being the most likely to be shipped. He’s having arguably his best season ever, and certainly his healthiest in recent memory. His contract may be daunting, but it’s not John Wall‘s, and the cap will only continue to increase.
Conley can hopefully net a mixed bag on return. The Jazz have both their own picks in the upcoming NBA Draft, upside talent (Dante Exum), and expiring deals (Ricky Rubio, possibly Derrick Favors). The one thing Memphis doesn’t want is to salary-dump Chandler Parsons; a cost they can eat while tanking, and peddle as a far more valuable expiring contract next season.
Memphis merely making Conley and Gasol publicly available is proof that that — for once — the onus for change is upon them. The market may not be ideal, but it’s only going to get worse with the hurricane of superstar movement coming this summer. Hopefully the Grizzlies can be proactive and get a head-start on a new chapter.”