Anderson and Winslow listed by B/R as Grizzlies most likely to be traded

The Memphis Grizzlies won’t be the most active team in the trade market, as they’ll be generally happy with their roster for now. There are some improvements that could be made, but after a successful 2020-21 season, the Grizz will likely roll the dice with their current roster.

That said, they’re not immune from trade rumors.

Despite a young overall roster, the Grizzlies have a few players who either don’t fit the system or are aging faster than the rest of the team. The primary player that has shown up in these trade rumors is Kyle Anderson, a player who was extremely valuable to Memphis in the absence of Jaren Jackson Jr. last year.

Bleacher Report listed Kyle Anderson as the Grizzlies’ player who is most likely to be traded

In a Bleacher Report article written by Grant Hughes, each team had a single player listed as their most likely trade asset. Essentially, Hughes chose a player on each team that was most likely to be traded.

For the Grizz, that player was Kyle Anderson. This shouldn’t come as a huge surprise, as Anderson is one of the older players on the team, reaching his peak value in the aforementioned absence of Jackson Jr.

Hughes mentioned the fact that Anderson was a talented player in a tricky situation. Here’s what he said.

"“Winslow’s potential and Jaren Jackson Jr.’s centrality to Memphis’ long-term plans put Kyle Anderson in a tough spot. The plodding forward was his best self in 2020-21, posting 12.6 points per game and playing sharp, intelligent defense.”"

He goes on to explain how the Grizzlies aren’t necessarily likely to make a move involving Anderson.

"“If the Grizzlies have to make a move, and if they’re fully committed to letting Winslow and Jackson prove they’re the 3-4 combo of the future, Anderson could bring back a significant return.”"

Like Beale Street Bears, the Bleacher Report writer almost seemed hesitant to call Anderson, a player who has been huge for Memphis in the past couple of seasons, a player that should be traded.

Anderson averaged a career-high 12.4 points per game last season and would likely be able to contribute as one of the most reliable starters on the team next season. If they were to trade him, as mentioned, the Grizz would be fully committing to Jackson Jr. and Winslow for their future.

Winslow, however, was also listed by Hughes as a player that could be traded. Fortunately for Memphis, their option to continue his contract will simplify the situation, allowing the Grizz to control the situation. Winslow has a team option that Grizzlies GM Zach Kleiman can choose to accept or decline as the upcoming season approaches.

If Winslow returns via team option, Memphis will be paying him $13 million next year.

Regardless, there’s no real reason to trade either Winslow or Anderson, so expect both of these forwards to return to the roster next season.