The Grizzlies should absolutely capitalize on the recent development of the Nuggets being in the second apron. This has been an incredible offseason for a Grizzlies team early in their rebuild, but they may have a golden chance to make it even better. The dream of Peyton Watson to Memphis suddenly looks more possible, but the Grizzlies must avoid a pivotal mistake if the buzz keeps growing.
The Grizzlies still have their full TPE from the Jaren Jackson Jr. deal, which doesn't expire until the 2027 trade deadline. Now is an intriguing time to use the TPE, and Denver's new situation with the second apron is a great place to capitalize. Whether it's getting an established player in Cam Johnson or taking an upside swing on Peyton Watson, the Grizzlies should look to get involved.
However, there are multiple players the Grizzlies shouldn't include in any Peyton Watson deal if they go the sign-and-trade route. Nuggets reporter Harrison Wind of DNVR Sports had the following to say about the Grizzlies making sense as a potential trade partner for Peyton Watson:
If the Nuggets sign and trade Peyton Watson, the Grizzlies make sense. He fits with Cam Boozer, Cedric Coward and is on their timeline. They have a $29M trade exception. Memphis also has players that I think would intrigue Denver: Ty Jerome, Cam Spencer, Scottie Pippen Jr.
— Harrison Wind (@HarrisonWind) July 28, 2026
All three players listed should not be included in any deal
It's easy to see why a team like Denver would like Ty Jerome, Cam Spencer, and Scotty Pippen Jr. But for the Grizzlies' purposes, it doesn't make sense at this present moment to include any of them in a potential deal. Before diving into Jerome and Pippen Jr., Spencer is a very logical fit with the current Grizzlies' roster, and especially with a new-look frontcourt.
When thinking about the Grizzlies backcourt of the future, it's entirely possible that Ty Jerome and Scotty Pippen Jr. do not remain in Memphis long-term. But for now, even if the Grizzlies' backcourt doesn't have a bonafide star, they have plenty of players that fit well with Zach Edey and Cam Boozer, and it's a group that is capable of giving the team solid minutes every night.
It could still be plenty of time before the Grizzlies find their established Ja Morant successor, but it logically makes sense to see how this backcourt performs together. It was a small sample size, but Ty Jerome had the most productive offensive stretch of his NBA career, and he's a dream fit for Tuomas Iisalo's offense.
Scotty Pippen Jr. might not be a star, but he is a valuable two-way presence for the Grizzlies, and it's still possible we haven't seen the best of his offense yet. A strong argument can be made that he is the most underrated player on the entire Grizzlies' roster. Plus, it doesn't quite make sense to weaken the backcourt based on where the roster currently stands.
Denver reportedly lowered their demands to one first-round pick and a "high-level player," which makes any Watson to Memphis deal more attainable. The Grizzlies have plenty of draft capital to work with. Going the Cam Johnson route with the TPE is justifiable, but if they are interested in a Peyton Watson deal, they should avoid including any of the names listed.
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