There’s no denying the Memphis Grizzlies are struggling as of late. It seems to be a combination of poor defensive play, bad shooting, and questionable coaching among other things.
Ja Morant, for the most part, has continued to play spectacularly and Dillon Brooks is still finding his footing after not playing in a game for five months.
There are plenty of excuses that can be made, but this team is too talented to be getting beat by a 1-12 New Orleans team or getting blown out by 25+ points against the Phoenix Suns.
Should the Memphis Grizzlies engage in trade talks and hit the reset button before it becomes too late to turn the season around?
It’s probably unlikely but never say never to an early-season trade in this day and age. There are a handful of players who are being under-utilized in Head Coach Taylor Jenkins’ current rotation.
There are also players who are in a very bad slump that could use a change of scenery. Let’s take a look at some possible trade scenarios that could infuse some scoring, defense, or three-point shooting into the lineup.
First up, is a trade with the equally struggling Atlanta Hawks. After making it to the Eastern Conference and just two wins away from a trip to the NBA Finals, have gotten off to a 5-9 on the season.
Perhaps the Grizzlies could find a willing partner looking to give multiple players a fresh start and a chance to course-correct.
This deal, centered around Atlanta’s Bogdan Bogdanovic, would give the Grizzlies an immediate scoring and consistent three-point shooting threat.
He’s a career 38.8% three-point shooter and 14 points per game scorer. His numbers are down slightly this season, but just slightly. The 2017-18 NBA All-Rookie would be the perfect complement to Ja Morant.
Bogdanovic could start in place of Desmond Bane and let him slide to a bench role where he seemed more comfortable last season.
The Grizzlies would likely need to give up De’Anthony Melton, under-used Xavier Tillman, Sr., and long-term project Jarrett Culver for the salaries to work and for Atlanta to be remotely interested.