The Memphis Grizzlies had their best season since the beginning of the team’s rebuild a few years ago. They went 38-34, earned a spot in the play-in tournament, and won, sending themselves into the NBA Playoffs.
It was a strong season but set them back in the 2021 NBA Draft, where they landed at the 17th-overall spot. Even so, it never seemed like Memphis would stick with that pick, as they are seemingly a piece away from being an extremely competitive team. A trade-up scenario made too much sense.
The Memphis Grizzlies may be half way to a deal that brings the 10th-overall pick to Beale Street
By the looks of things, that’s exactly what the Grizzlies plan to do. This week, a rumor surfaced that the Grizzlies and Pelicans were in talks about a trade that would bring the 10th overall pick to Memphis for almost nothing in return. When I say “almost nothing,” I mean that Memphis would send the Pels their 17th pick for NO’s 10th and Eric Bledsoe, who only has $4 million guaranteed next season.
This won’t bother Memphis too much, who has an excess of money to spend during the 2021-22 season, as evident by their apparent willingness to give Justise Winslow, one of the least efficient players in the league, $13 million.
The trade with the Pelicans was surprising, as it doesn’t seem to benefit New Orleans in any way whatsoever. That said, the Grizzlies won’t spend time dwelling on this, as the trade would work out perfectly in their favor.
If there are legs to this trade, you can guarantee that Memphis will jump on the opportunity to bring in Bledsoe and the 10th pick. A desperate move by the Pelicans could turn into the Grizzlies’ perfect situation.
Here’s what the Grizzlies options look like.