The Memphis Grizzlies may have taken part in several offseason transactions to help bolster Taylor Jenkins’ rotation, but heading into the 2023-24 campaign the core that helped pave the way to a second-seeded finish last year remains largely intact.
However, as was made apparent by their lackluster first-round demise against the Los Angeles Lakers, there’s still plenty of work that needs to be done before this club can feel truly strong about their status as legitimate title contenders, thus suggesting more moves could be awaiting and, in turn, some of these remaining talents could soon be seen on the move.
In the event that GM Zach Kleiman looks to make some sort of deal between now and the 2024 trade deadline, there are three players, in particular, that could be included in an outbound package and, as a result, most likely won’t remain in tow for the entire season in Grind City.
Grizzlies who may not last the entire season in Memphis
Josh Christopher
Acquired from the Houston Rockets as part of the Dillion Brooks sign-and-trade earlier this summer, Josh Christopher has quite a bit of intrigue attached to his name.
Selected 24th overall in the 2021 draft, the point guard has shown glimpses of the first-round potential he flashed during his one-and-done season at Arizona State.
Unfortunately, a majority of this has come while suiting up for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers of the G League, where he posted 25.2 points, 6.8, assists, 5.0 rebounds, 1.2 steals, and 1.0 blocks on 56.0 percent shooting from the field in 2022-23.
For a rebuilding team like the Rockets, seeing talents revolving in and out of the developmental league is a luxury that can certainly be afforded.
For a title-hopeful like the Grizzlies, however, their goal is to put together a roster that’s ready to put forth quality production when called upon, especially when it comes to their point guard rotation which will be heavily leaned upon during star Ja Morant’s 25-game suspension.
Expect to see Taylor Jenkins include Christopher in some capacity within the early-season rotation in an attempt to get his stock up a bit but, once their franchise cornerstone makes his way back to the hardwood, one should not be surprised to see the 21-year-old’s name be brought up in trade rumors.