3 best assets Memphis Grizzlies can use to get involved in blockbuster trades
The Memphis Grizzlies have had a relatively low-key offseason by most standards, choosing to prioritize internal investment instead of chasing outside free agents.
It’s not much of a surprise that the team wanted to bring back one of the premier backup point guards in Tyus Jones, inked John Konchar to a team-friendly extension, and chose to roll the dice via the draft instead of free agency.
Despite year-over-year growth, boasting one of the most exciting talents in the NBA, and fostering a league-renowned culture, the Memphis Grizzlies are still not a destination for free agents. The team has had three notable external free agent signings in the past 10 years: Vince Carter (2014), Kyle Anderson (2018), and Tyus Jones (2019).
We can continue to hold out hope that free agents will one day choose to play in Memphis, but until then, the best way to add talent and upgrade the roster has been and will continue to be via trade.
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And there are plenty of blockbuster trades reportedly brewing along the NBA landscape this offseason, namely Kevin Durant and Donovan Mitchell—two multi-time All-Stars that are reportedly available for the right price.
Except, it would be unwise for the Grizzlies to put in bids for either player. Yes, pairing either of those players on the roster would make the team better on paper, but it would come at too great of an expense and totally transform the team’s identity and playing style.
You’d have Morant and KD or Morant and Mitchell, but what else would you have? You would have to trade so many good pieces that it wouldn’t be a big enough step forward for the team to be worthwhile.
The safer and more realistic way the team could get involved in a blockbuster trade is to be the third team in a three-team trade to help someone else land Durant or Mitchell.
The team could offer up one or two of their coveted assets if it lands the team a building block to grow alongside the core of Morant, Bane and Jackson.
So let’s dive in and look at the three best assets the Memphis Grizzlies could offer up in a blockbuster trade to help get the team some help without mortgaging the future.