3 extension-eligible players Grizzlies should consider trading for

The Memphis Grizzlies may have already gotten their key extensions out of the way this past summer what with Desmond Bane’s new $207 million deal, but other clubs across the association currently find themselves searching for financial resolutions of their own.

For many players, October 23 marks the final day in which they can come to terms on a new contract agreement, which specifically impacts those entering the last year of a first-round rookie scale pact as well as extension-eligible veterans with two years remaining on their deal.

While one should expect that a slew of new contracts will be agreed upon between now and the deadline, as is seen annually there will also wind up being several who fail to reach a desired settlement which, naturally, will then send the trade rumor mill into an absolute frenzy.

Extension-eligible trade targets the Grizzlies must consider pursuing

Taking a look at the current crop of extension-eligible players, there are quite a number who could be sound additions to Taylor Jenkins’ rotation.

With this in mind, the Grizzlies should monitor a few specific individuals currently gunning for a new payday.

3. Saddiq Bey

Saddiq Bey may not be the highly coveted star talent that Grizzlies fans are currently clamoring for, but he does have the potential to fill several areas of need for the team.

The 19 overall selection from the 2020 NBA Draft, Bey has established himself as a highly capable long-range shooter and offensive initiator who, with his 6-foot-7 build, can seemingly slot in anywhere from the two all the way down to a small-ball four, though his more natural position is undoubtedly the three which is a position Memphis could use more of at this point in time.

Through three seasons in the association, the 24-year-old has averaged 14.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and just shy of a steal per game while shooting 36.1 percent from distance and, last season with the Hawks, he showcased his abilities as a reliable catch-and-shoot commodity, converting on 40.2 percent of his attempts from deep in such settings which is an attribute that was severely missing from the Grizzlies’ on-court production last year.

Though his defensive talents have left quite a bit to be desired (boasts a career 116 defensive rating), he came into the association tabbed as a highly touted ball stopper and, with his size coupled with an impressive 6-foot-11 wingspan, there’s still hope for him to eventually develop into a serviceable option on the less glamorous side of the ball.

On top of all this, should Atlanta wind up not extending him, his 2023-24 salary is a mere $4.5 million which would fit into Memphis’ $7 million remaining on their TPE acquired in the Dillon Brooks trade from earlier this summer with relative ease.