6 Trades Grizzlies could make to solve rebounding woes
By Tyler Watts
5. Grizzlies look for a low-cost deal
The Pistons have a glut of young big men on their roster. They started Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart on opening night with Bojan Bogdanovic out. James Wiseman never left the bench, and Marvin Bagley III was limited to just 16 minutes. Stewart’s extension kicks in next season and his salary jumps to $15 million per year. Now is the time for the Pistons to make a move.
If Stewart and Duren are their long-term answers, Detroit should be looking to move Bagley, who is owed $12.5 million next season. The market for big men features more sellers than buyers, which could present an opportunity for the Grizzlies to dump Adams and get a replacement at a discount.
Bagley III is far from the perfect option. He averages just 24.7 minutes per game for his career and struggles on the defensive end. Memphis needs a big man who can rebound and eat minutes. Bagley III averages 10.4 rebounds per 36 minutes for his career, and the 6’11 big man is only 24 years old.
Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins would have to figure out how to maximize him. Reigning Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr. gives Memphis options. JJJ will clean up a lot of messes on the defensive end of the floor and could be a strong fit next to the former number two overall pick, who went ahead of Luka Doncic and Trae Young.