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.
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.
Ziaire Williams
Like Josh Christopher and, in a way, Brandon Clarke, Ziaire Williams is a player who has yet to live up to the expectations bestowed upon him when entering the association.
Considering his lofty lottery-selected status (10 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft), there’s a strong argument to be made that his quiet production to this point is the most disappointing, however, on the flip side, this label coupled with his still youthful age of 21 makes him perhaps the most coveted asset on the trade market out of all three.
Coming in on a make-or-break third season with the Grizzlies, Williams will be eligible for a contract extension at the campaign’s conclusion, and there is without a doubt a chance that he earns a rather lucrative one with the potential to earn the team’s starting three position as a result of the departure of Dillon Brooks this summer.
Should all go well and the former Stanford product claim his spot in the first five rotation, then by all means Memphis should strongly consider holding onto him for the long haul.
That said, if Williams loses out in the open competition, Zach Kleiman and company must strongly consider trying their best to sell high on the concept of his “untapped potential” in exchange for someone who can actually aid in winning efforts.
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