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Memphis Grizzlies add Mario Hezonja in three-team trade

By Reed Garrison

PORTLAND, OREGON - FEBRUARY 25: Mario Hezonja #44 of the Portland Trail Blazers reacts in the second quarter against the Boston Celtics during their game at Moda Center on February 25, 2020 in Portland, Oregon. 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 Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OREGON - FEBRUARY 25: Mario Hezonja #44 of the Portland Trail Blazers reacts in the second quarter against the Boston Celtics during their game at Moda Center on February 25, 2020 in Portland, Oregon. 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 Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
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The Memphis Grizzlies acquired Portland Trail Blazers forward Mario Hezonja as part of the trade that landed them first-round draft pick Desmond Bane.

Memphis Grizzlies’ first-round draft pick Desmond Bane was part of a three-way trade between the Grizzlies, Boston Celtics and Portland Trail Blazers which was completed on Friday, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

The Grizzlies chose Bane with the No. 30 pick that had belonged to Boston, and Memphis acquired forward Mario Hezonja from the Blazers.

Chris Herrington of the Daily Memphian broke down the picks that the Grizzlies will be sending the Celtics:

Bane is a 6’6″ guard from TCU who was regarded as one of the best shooters in the 2020 draft class. You can find a breakdown and player profile of Bane and the rest of the Grizzlies’ draft night additions here:

Hezonja is headed to his fourth NBA team in five years. The native of Croatia was the No. 5 overall pick of the 2015 NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic. He spent three seasons in Orlando but never earned a higher spot than a part-time starter. The Magic let him go as a free agent in 2018, and Hezonja signed a one-year deal with the New York Knicks. He then signed with the Trail Blazers in 2019.

Hezonja is a 6’8″ forward that has shown in flashes that he has some solid athleticism.

Last season with Portland, Hezonja played in 53 games and averaged 4.8 points and 3.5 rebounds in 16 minutes per game. Hezonja struggles with efficiency on the offensive end, as he only shoots 41 percent from the field and 30 percent from 3-point range for his career.

Hezonja has one year left on his contract, so if the Grizzlies want to move him, he could easily be included in another trade. If Hezonja can find a good role under head coach Taylor Jenkins in Memphis, it could be a fresh start for his NBA career.

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