The Grizzlies are ahead of the curve thanks to their franchise cornerstones Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. Considering that Memphis is already in the playoff race, is it possible for the Grizzlies to further accelerate their rebuild by way of trade?
Until the 2018-19 NBA season, the Memphis Grizzlies dreaded the departures of Mike Conley Jr. and Marc Gasol and resisted the idea of blowing up and starting a full-fledged rebuild due to being situated in a small market. In hindsight, it is evident that the franchise’s efforts to prolong the lifespan of their star pairing prepared them for timely arrival of their next generation of stars in Jaren Jackson Jr. and Ja Morant and saved them a great deal of time in their rebuild. JJJ has taken a leap forward in his second year and is finding his groove as a 6-11 Buddy Hield, while Ja Morant busy punishing James Harden for not showing respect.
It has been a pleasant surprise for Memphis fans to witness their team become everyone’s league pass darlings, not to mention the push the Grizzlies are making for the final playoff seed in the Western Conference. It could be the right time for the front office to adjust to the trajectory of this young roster and help this team before the February trade deadline by going after players who fit in the team’s current timeline. Here are 3 players who fit the definition and what the Grizzlies can offer to acquire them.