Following their impressive run in 2022, the Memphis Grizzlies did not make many moves in the offseason. One of the few changes came on draft night in a rather under-the-radar trade with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Despite having a career year last year, the Grizzlies decided it was time to move on from two-way guard De’Anthony Melton. They dealt him to Philly in exchange for Danny Green and a first-round pick.
As a former champion, Green is the type of veteran that can help take Memphis to the next level. Unfortunately, his on-the-court impact will be delayed as he suffered an ACL injury during the playoffs last season. Even with the long-term recovery, the team is confident he will make a healthy return in 2023.
Some might have initially thought trading for Green was a move to clear space in the future, but that doesn’t seem to be the case. During his media day press conference, Grizzlies GM Zach Kleiman opened up on the veteran forward being a member of the team moving forward.
"Danny Green is part of this group. Danny Green is a member of the Memphis Grizzlies, we’re excited to have him as part of this team. When we initially made that trade, there was some unpacking to do. Really, it was just getting to know Danny.Just an unbelievable professional who’s won at the highest levels multiple times in the NBA. We’re excited about what Danny can bring to this group from an experience standpoint, a locker room standpoint."
Kleiman finished up by saying that the talk regarding Green’s recovery has been positive and that he is on track to return at some point during the regular season.
Later on, Green opened up on the conversation he had with Kleiman following the trade. Given the direction Memphis is heading with its young core, the 35-year-old is excited about helping them turn the corner.
"I think Zach and Memphis believed in me and believe that I can get back and be able to play and be effective when it matters. I was excited to be a part of this group and to hopefully make an impact on the younger guys and help this team mature. I think that’s the only thing that we’re kind of missing."
Even as he enters his mid-30’s, Green has proven he can still be a contributing piece to a contending team. In 62 games for the Sixers last season, he averaged 5.9 PPG and 1.0 SPG while shooting 38% from deep on good volume.
Depending on how he looks following his rehab, Green has the chance to be a contributing piece for the Grizzlies. Along with being a vocal leader behind the scenes, his ability to effectively space the floor will give Memphis another kick-out option to put aside Ja Morant.
Kleiman rolled the dice trading for an again veteran fresh off an ACL injury, but it’s a gamble that could pay dividends later down the road.