Memphis Grizzlies: 3 trades to acquire dynamic big to pair with Ja Morant, JJJ

After experiencing a great disadvantage at center in a handful of playoff games, the Memphis Grizzlies are no doubt in pursuit of another skilled big man that can play off and with Jaren Jackson Jr.

We’ve already come up with a big trade to go after Utah’s Rudy Gobert if the Jazz decide to become sellers and rebuild around Donovan Mitchell, but these are three fresh new hypothetical trade packages.

The Grizzlies should be targeting someone that would be an upgrade over Steven Adams, the team’s current starting center. The team needs someone that can stretch the offense (knock down a three), be physical, and have good enough lateral quickness to guard the handful of athletic big men in the Western Conference like Nikola Jokic and Karl-Anthony Towns.

Memphis Grizzlies strike a trade with Chicago for Nikola Vucevic

First up, is a deal to acquire former All-Star Nikola Vucevic. The 6’10 big man is 260 pounds and 31 years old. He’s a little on the older side for the young Grizzlies, but he still has a lot of good years left in the tank.

This is a pretty straightforward trade that sees the Grizzlies acquiring Nikola Vucevic in exchange for Steven Adams, John Konchar, and the No. 22 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft.

This would likely give the Grizzlies a starting lineup of Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, Dillon Brooks, Jaren Jackson, and Vucevic.

“Vooch” had a solid season last year for the Bulls, averaging 17.6 PPG, 11.0 RPG, 3.2 APG in 33.1 MPG.

Physically, he’s similar to Steven Adams, with upgrading scoring and shooting. If Jackson is having a bad night on offense or is in foul trouble, Vucevic will be there to fill the void on offense.

His defensive woes will be negated by the superb defensive abilities of Jackson, so this is a combination that might work out well for Memphis.

Would the Bulls be willing to part with the 31-year-old for the expiring contract of Steven Adams, bench spark plug John Konchar and a mid-first round pick? If the Grizzlies can not overspend, he’s a player worth rolling the dice on.