The Grizzlies still have to complete their roster crunch before the season gets underway. With 19 players currently on the roster, they will have to get rid of four more players. However, if there is one move the Grizzlies must avoid at all costs, it's trading Scotty Pippen Jr. A recent mock trade with the Nuggets has the Grizzlies trading Pippen Jr., and the deal is simply a foolish one for Memphis.
It's no secret that the Nuggets are trying to get under the second apron, but there is no need for the Grizzlies to help Denver navigate their salary cap situation. Plus, Scotty Pippen Jr. has a strong chance to be a key contributor for the Grizzlies this upcoming season. David Decker of Nugg Love proposed the following mock trade:
Nuggets Receive: Scotty Pippen Jr.
Grizzlies Receive: Zeke Nnaji, a 2028 second-round pick (via MIN), and a 2031 second-round pick (via SAC).
It isn't a deal that makes sense for the Grizzlies at all
The Grizzlies will have to get down to 15 players, but there are many other options they should consider before a Scotty Pippen Jr. trade. Taj Gibson and Kris Murray could both be logical waive candidates, while D'Angelo Russell and AJ Johnson could both have some trade interest. They could also be waived before the season begins if the team can't find a trade partner.
Despite trading Ja Morant, the Grizzlies have an intriguing guard group, but there isn't an established franchise guard yet. However, that doesn't exactly mean that the Grizzlies should deplete their current guard group. Plus, Pippen Jr. should be a key piece of the puzzle with the two-way impact he is capable of making.
Scotty Pippen Jr. appeared in just 10 games this past season, but he was still very productive in his limited time back. Pippen Jr. averaged 11.4 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 4.7 assists while also adding 2.3 stocks (steals and blocks) per game. It isn't crazy to believe that Pippen Jr. can maintain his defensive impact while also returning to his peak offensive efficiency for next season.
Another factor to consider is that the Grizzlies have significantly revamped their frontcourt throughout the offseason. While Zeke Nnaji could benefit from a fresh start elsewhere, he does not address a pressing need for the Grizzlies.
Nnaji would also face a challenging path to playing time as long as Cam Boozer and Zach Edey are both healthy. Plus, it can't be forgotten that the Grizzlies have also added players such as Isaiah Stewart and Quinten Post to the mix.
Even when considering the draft capital the Grizzlies would receive in this mock trade, the player aspect just doesn't make sense for them.
The Grizzlies have had an extremely busy offseason and could end up being a surprise team in the Western Conference this year. However, they must avoid any Scotty Pippen Jr. trade before the season begins, especially to a conference rival like Denver.
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