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Grizzlies who may not last the entire 2023-24 season in Memphis

By Mark Nilon

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 13: Brandon Clarke #15 of the Memphis Grizzlies looks on against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on October 13, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 13: Brandon Clarke #15 of the Memphis Grizzlies looks on against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on October 13, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images) /
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Brandon Clarke Grizzlies
Brandon Clarke of the Memphis Grizzlies goes to the basket. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images) /

Brandon Clarke

Since being selected 21 overall back during the 2019 NBA Draft, Grizzlies fans have been waiting patiently for the highly touted big man to break out and establish himself as a viable starting option and a legitimate foundational talent.

Despite flashes throughout his four seasons in Memphis, it has become more and more apparent that the sand is running out on the hourglass as they await a true breakout, especially when considering he’ll be 27 years old to kick off the year and has yet to start more than 16 games in a season.

This team is looking to become a long-standing title contender and, though they may be close, adding one more difference-maker to their rotation could be all the difference between another first-round exit and an NBA Finals appearance.

Nabbing some of the higher-end players on the trade market may require a pretty penny and, if this is the route Memphis wishes to take, they may be forced to part ways with the fan-favorite power forward considering his allure as an efficient two-way talent (23.8 points, 12.4 rebounds, 1.8 blocks per 100 possessions while boasting a defensive rating of 109) coupled with his manageable salary.

Considering his unfortunate Achilles tear from last season, the financial aspect may be the biggest factor when it comes to the hypothetical of incorporating Clarke into a potential deal, but the promise he still holds could have some rebuild-oriented teams willing to take a swing on the hope of his post-recovery play.

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