The Memphis Grizzlies’ paw-prints were all over Thursday’s NBA Trade Deadline, and though it cost them Marc Gasol, they netted two players they have had in their sights for a while.
2019’s NBA Trade Deadline was vastly different than the one 2018 had to offer. The Memphis Grizzlies kept their word, though they coughed up the most decorated player in franchise history in Marc Gasol.
Within the deal with the Toronto Raptors, the Grizzlies received three players and one future (2024) Draft pick. Memphis had been looking to obtain a young player with untapped potential, pick(s), plus a salary match in order to pull the trigger on a deal, and that is exactly what they decided upon.
The three Raptors-turned-Grizzlies were Jonas Valanciunas, Delon Wright, and C.J. Miles. Interestingly enough, Memphis finally got their guy, and not exactly Valanciunas. Not necessarily Wright. Rather, it is C.J. Miles.
Miles was last a free-agent in the offseason of 2017. Back then, and also in 2014 in his previous NBA Free-Agency period, the Memphis Grizzlies were very interested in additing his versatile skill set to their roster.
Though he is a few years older (currently 31 years of age), the Front Office may think they are slick in adding C.J. now in 2019, but their interest in the three-and-D swingman is well-documented.
The deal that was conducted on Thursday with the Toronto Raptors was not the only transaction of the day for the Memphis Grizzlies. Actually, it was far from it.
The second most notable trade involving the Memphis Grizzlies prior to the 3:00 PM ET NBA Trade Deadline included the Los Angeles Clippers. JaMychal Green and Garrett Temple — a pair of expiring Grizzly contracts — were shipped out of town in exchange for Avery Bradley.
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Similarly to C.J. Miles, Bradley has been coveted by the Grizzlies for quite some time. Most recently, Memphis appeared in rumors as a potential suitor for the 28-year-old defensive specialist during the 2018 offseason via Free-Agency.
Avery Bradley ultimately chose to re-sign with the Clippers seven months ago, but yet again, the Memphis Grizzlies got their guy. It is evident that Avery needs a change of scenery, and now he has received just that. His skill set will allow the Grizz to continue with their prime defensive identity moving forward.
While Memphis was sifting through a plethora of trade offers prior to the NBA Trade Deadline, it is becoming more clear as to why they chose these particular deals. After all, some rumored trade packages were similar. Yet, the sweetener was seeing the names C.J. Miles and Avery Bradley on the offer sheet.
The rebuilding phase has begun in Memphis, Tennessee, so it will be interesting to watch things play out with these veteran players that would have been a much better fit when the team was looking to contend in the Western Conference. Now, they will be mentors above all else. But even then, value lies within.