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Grizzlies urged to trade Ziaire Williams, Josh Christopher for veteran wing

ByMark Nilon|
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - MARCH 26: Ziaire Williams #8 of the Memphis Grizzlies during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at FedExForum on March 26, 2022 in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 Justin Ford/Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - MARCH 26: Ziaire Williams #8 of the Memphis Grizzlies during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at FedExForum on March 26, 2022 in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 Justin Ford/Getty Images)

The Memphis Grizzlies have made several shakeups to their roster this summer, with some believing such decisions have set the club up for legitimate title contention as soon as 2023-24.

That said, even with their savvy maneuvering, Taylor Jenkins’ club still finds itself with a rather significant void within its starting rotation at the vital wing position, as long-tenured resident, Dillon Brooks was sign-and-traded to the Houston Rockets this summer.

Since his departure, there have been several suggestions made by fans and media pundits alike regarding how the Grizzlies should go about trying to fill the aforementioned vacancy.

One name oft mentioned as being a feasible option for the franchise is veteran Kelly Oubre Jr. and, in a recent piece by Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus, the 27-year-old was once again tabbed as a talent worth considering, with the analyst going as far as to note that GM Zach Kleiman could be open to offloading one of their younger talents such as Ziaire Williams or Josh Christopher to acquire his services.

Grizzlies once again linked as landing spot for Kelly Oubre Jr.

"“The Memphis Grizzlies could make some sense for Oubre after they sign-and-traded Dillon Brooks to the Houston Rockets in July. Memphis added a few ball-handling guards in Marcus Smart and Derrick Rose this offseason, but not a bigger wing. The Grizzlies have too many players (17 guaranteed) and might have some younger prospects that might appeal to Charlotte such as Ziaire Williams, Josh Christopher, etc,” Pincus wrote."

Pincus would continue on to acknowledge that in order for the Grizzlies to have a realistic shot at adding the wing via sign-and-trade, even outside of offering an intriguing youngster like Williams or Christopher, they would need to shell out a salary that would “make it worthwhile” for Oubre considering such a transaction requires a three-year contract commitment.

In his eyes, such a move could be quite beneficial for this wing-needy title hopeful.

The soon-to-be 10-year veteran is coming off an impressive 2022-23 campaign with the Charlotte Hornets where he posted averages of 20.3 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 1.4 steals per game.

Since 2019-20, Oubre has sported averages of 17.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.2 steals.

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