Should the Memphis Grizzlies make a push to acquire Collin Sexton?

Everyone continues to speculate about whether or not the Memphis Grizzlies are going to push all their chips to the middle of the table this offseason for a big upgrade at center, on the wing, or on the bench.

We’ve unpacked quite a few scenarios to placate many of those scenarios (blockbuster Myles Turner trade or a deal for Coby White, save for a really intriguing addition to the bench.

We’re unpacking that now, with the understanding that veteran backup point guard Tyus Jones is likely going to sign with a new team once he becomes a free agent next month.

Should the Memphis Grizzlies explore a sign-and-trade for Collin Sexton?

One interesting idea that’s been percolating in my mind has been the idea of pursuing point guard Collin Sexton from the Cleveland Cavaliers. Hat tip to John Hollinger for pointing out that he envisions Sexton “would be an ideal sixth man in a Jamal Crawford/Jordan Clarkson type of role and a case can be made for paying him in the low- to mid-teens.”

The former Alabama standout is 23 and is set to become a restricted free agent next month, with no certainty that he fits in with the current configuration of the Cavaliers.

Sexton has the scoring component that the bench unit sorely needs it (24.3 ppg and 4.4 apg during the 2020-21 season) plus he’s a superb three-point shooter (career 37.8%).

What Sexton lacks in his defensive abilities will likely be covered up by All-Defensive player Jaren Jackson Jr. and his NBA-leading ability to block shots.

The Grizzlies will need someone who has experience as a starter in the NBA to backup Ja Morant. The superstar guard has missed handfuls of games in basically every season he’s been in the NBA, so having someone who’s been a starter and knows how to navigate that will be crucial.

He may not be able to play alongside Morant, which may or may not be a big deal. Sexton and Morant are not great defenders and are both on the smaller side.

But, if the Grizzlies are able to acquire Sexton either outright as a free agent or via sign-and-trade, and keep Dillon Brooks (an excellent perimeter defender) this is a player absolutely worth pursuing for Memphis.

The addition of Collin Sexton could help the Grizzlies take a huge step forward next season and become more dynamic on offense— something that ended up being a fatal flaw against the Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference Semifinals.