3 Grizzlies most likely to be moved before the trade deadline

The Grizzlies have had a tough time keeping the majority of their team healthy since the beginning of last season but have been better with their results on the court this season. The team is deeper with a plethora of young guys on generous contracts producing in a major way.

Due to the success of guys like Jaylen Wells, Jay Huff, and Scotty Pippen Jr., the Grizzlies can potentially make moves that can help make their roster more well-rounded. As the trade machines start to heat up in NBA circles, here are the players the Grizzlies are most likely to trade by the NBA trade deadline.

1. Marcus Smart

The phrase "where there's smoke, there's fire" comes to mind when talking about Marcus Smart on the Memphis Grizzlies. He has said the right things and has played hard when he's been available but he hasn't been available often.

After he was traded from the Boston Celtics to Memphis last summer, questions about his fit as a small forward at 6'3", starting next to 6'2" Ja Morant and 6'5" Desmond Bane, were apparent. His ability to guard bigger wings made the fit intriguing to see but his shooting is sporadic for a team that needs more of that.

The sample size of seeing that lineup has been very small (only eight games played together) due to the health of all three players. Meanwhile, the Grizzlies' young wings developed nicely last season (GG Jackson and Vince Williams Jr.) and this season (Jaylen Wells) leading to intrigue about those players battling for a chance to start over Smart.

Smart's contract also makes him a likely trade candidate and rumors swirled during draft season and even recently about teams monitoring his name on the trade market. The Grizzlies' need for a veteran wing that can better fit as a 3 and d wing next to Morant and Bane makes Smart a likely trade piece.

2. Luke Kennard

The Grizzlies' need for shooting makes a Luke Kennard trade scenario seem crazy right? He's third in NBA history in three-point percentage (43.9%) and is shooting 48% in a Memphis Grizzlies uniform (three seasons).

However, his expiring contract and pecking order in the rotation make him expendable. The Grizzlies need a shooter like him to be the starter at small forward, but his size, defensive vulnerability, and other young wings on the roster don't make that possible.

Kennard's value is applied almost exclusively to his shooting, and the Grizzlies could use his contract to help bring in a player who could fit the mold of a true wing that can put them over the top as a championship contender.

3. Brandon Clarke

Once considered one of the best bench players in the NBA, Brandon Clarke has had a slow start this season. He is averaging a career-low in points, rebounds, minutes, and shooting percentage.

His recovery from a torn Achilles suffered last March has impacted his game as an elite athlete. His athleticism hasn't faded but isn't what it was at his peak and the team's new offensive system that promotes spacing and shooting hasn't did him any favors.

He was a decent three-point shooter his rookie season but has gotten progressively worse every season and is currently shooting 1-16 from three this season. For a team that likes versatile players who can play multiple positions and do multiple things on the court, Clarke's presence is fading.

His contract ($12.5M) has two years remaining and can match in nearly any deal. Santi Aldama is entering restricted free agency next summer so the team might look to prioritize keeping him over Clarke.