Memphis Grizzlies: This Jaren Jackson Jr. trade hypothetical went too far

Two posts in a row with trade hypotheticals involving Jaren Jackson Jr.? Even though it may not make a ton of sense for the Memphis Grizzlies to trade Jackson, it has to be expected after a relative down year from the forward.

In fact, most of the trade hypotheticals that have surfaced have been completely reasonable. For example, we discussed a trade the other day that involved a swap between JJJ and James Wiseman, two young bigs with bright futures. At the end of the day, it seemed like an unlikely deal, but it was possible.

This time around, I can’t say the same.

Bleacher Report just proposed a Memphis Grizzlies-Detroit Pistons trade that makes close to no sense

Again, it’s no surprise that Jaren Jackson Jr.’s name keeps popping up in these trade rumors. He’s a valuable young piece who just had a rough season, at least from a general viewer’s perspective.

Grizzlies fans know that Jackson’s 2021 campaign was a fluke. Or just a rough start. In fact, simple statistics support the fact that JJJ will put up poor numbers in any season that sees him play less than 30 games.

Even so, NBA media saw his value plummet this past season, leading to a really depressing trade from Bleacher Report.

First, I want to make as clear as physically possible that I had nothing to do with the concoction of this trade. This is a trade hypothetical that was written up by Bleacher Report, to which you can find a link above.

Upon first glance, your gut instinct may tell you that there was some sort of typo. The Grizzlies would be trading away their former 4th-overall pick and unicorn forward for Jerami Grant, a player who has played seven seasons in the league and averaged over 13.6 points per game just once.

Apparently, Jackson Jr. alone isn’t enough. The creator of this trade took things a step further by throwing in the Grizzlies first-round pick, which isn’t far off from being a lottery pick.

Even though Grant averaged over 22 points per game with decent shooting splits last season, it would make no sense whatsoever for the Grizzlies to trade away a 21-year old that averages over 15 points per game in his career for a 27-year old who doesn’t fit the team.

Granted, throwing in Winslow would get rid of a $13 million contract, but the Grizzlies could simply decline his team option in the first place.

I’d like to try and form some logic out of this, but at the end of the day, it simply doesn’t make sense.

To put this into perspective, the Pistons could offer the Grizzlies a player swap between Jackson and Grant and Kleiman would likely turn it down. This trade is extremely unrealistic.