Grizzlies trade for a huge difference-maker
This scenario is the least likely by far based on the way the Grizzlies’ front office has operated the last few seasons. They are still very young and have almost all their core players locked in for at least the next two seasons. Going all in and giving up major assets for an outside addition just isn’t in their DNA. That being said, this team is clearly in need of a boost of some kind if they want to challenge for a championship this year. Could the recent shooting slump and injury to Steven Adams push them to make a big move? It’s hard to say, but it’s more of a possibility than ever.
There are two players that stand out that would be a massive boost to Grizzlies, with one of them even allowing them to still look to the future as well. The first player is Pistons wing Bojan Bogdanovic, who is having a career year. He is putting up 21.5 points with super-efficient .491/.423/.882 shooting splits. He is still not offering much of anything as a defender or facilitator, but the Grizzlies have plenty of both already. Adding Bogdanovic would allow Dillon Brooks to focus more on defense and hopefully improve his efficiency.
In general, it would lighten the offensive load across the board, hopefully keeping the other perimeter players fresh. The money would be tricky, as would the potential cost, but it could end up being worth it. His deal has two years left on his contract past this season as well, so he could end up being more than just a rental. He is 33, but it doesn’t look like his shooting ability is going away any time soon.
Bogdanovic on the Grizzlies is definitely fun to think about, but an even more valuable wing could be available: OG Anunoby. Anunoby is by far the best two-way player that has been rumored to be available, and he fits the style of player that the Grizzlies love. In a lot of ways, he is a bigger and more efficient version of Dillon Brooks.
Both are most known for their ability as defenders, but Anunoby is younger and a better offensive player. With Brooks set to be a free agent this offseason, Anunoby could be his long-term replacement. He would be very expensive to trade for, however, with reports of three first-round picks and possibly more being the Raptors asking price. That is a steep cost for any non-star player, but would a better chance at a title be worth it? That is for the Grizzlies to decide.