Should this three-and-D player from the Blazers be on the Grizzlies’ trade deadline wish list?

The Memphis Grizzlies, despite losing three out of their last five games, are soon to get some reinforcements to mix back into their line-up.

Some of their key players have been unavailable in recent games due to Covid-19 restrictions and/or injury. Guards Desmond Bane and Tyus Jones have been unavailable due to Covid-19, as well as forwards Kyle Anderson (Covid-19) and Brandon Clarke (back soreness)

But, in order to maintain their status as a top-three team in the Western Conference, the team may require some tinkering before the Feb. 10 trade deadline.

One person who fits that mold, according to a recent suggestion from the writers at Bleacher Report, would be Portland’s Robert Covington.

Robert Covington would be a great fit with the Memphis Grizzlies

The 6’7″ forward seems like the exact sort of player that could come in and play in late game situations when the Grizzlies need to go small, but don’t want to sacrifice on the defensive end.

Covington currently ranks in the top-15 in the NBA in total steals (62) and total blocks (55) this season. He can knock down three-point shots as well (35.6 3P%), making him a prototypical three-and-D player that the Grizzlies would love to have on their roster.

Here’s what Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz had to say about Covington and the Grizzlies:

"Covington could be available if the Blazers punt on the season. He’s not the quality of defender he was a few years ago, but Covington could still play a three-and-D role off the bench for a Grizzlies team that could use another playoff-tested veteran."

Covington could be used off the bench and in late-game line-ups to go smaller and aggressive on defense: Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, Dillon Brooks, Robert Covington and Jaren Jackson, Jr.

The 31-year-old Tennessee State product would be the oldest player on the Grizzlies roster, but he would bring a needed skillset and a decent amount of playoff experience: 28 playoff games played with Philadelphia, Houston and Portland.

The questions you have to ask now are, is Covington on the trade block and what would the Blazers want in return?

Would a trade package of Jarrett Culver, De’Anthony Melton be enough to pry Covington away from Portland? The salaries would work since the veteran forward is in the final year of his $12.1 million contract.

However, it would give the Grizzlies just a few months to decide if they would like to resign him or let him walk at the cost of (essentially) Melton.