The Memphis Grizzlies are in a unique position to take in a player with their Jaren Jackson Jr. trade exception this summer. They have to cut down their roster from 18 to 15 as is, but making a trade could still be worth it if they get a good enough return. And one of those ideas could be taking Christian Braun off the Denver Nuggets’ hands.
The Nuggets are in a rough spot. They need to duck below the second apron before they can re-sign Peyton Watson, who is still a restricted free agent. Or, they need to clear up enough space to sign him without being over the second apron, a line they evidently don’t want to cross. That’s where the Grizzlies and their $28.9 million trade exception could come in.
If the Nuggets attach enough compensation to the Braun contract, the Grizzlies should be willing to absorb it, which would solve Denver’s financial problem (to some degree).
Grizzlies should consider Christian Braun trade
Braun had a pretty rough year last season. The Nuggets handed him a massive extension not too long ago, but it already looks like a massive overpay, especially with how expensive the rest of their roster is.
Next season, Braun is slated to make $21.6 million, and he has four more years of money tacked onto that. The original deal was a five-year, $125 million contract, and in his final year, he’ll make $28.4 million.
So, if the Grizzlies were to take on that contract, they would have to be properly compensated. That means they would probably ask for a first-round pick or more from the Nuggets.
And from Denver’s perspective, it may be worth it to get off the money. They would be able to either benefit from a Watson sign-and-trade or just keep him on the roster moving forward.
Meanwhile, Braun is still only 25 years old. He still has plenty of time to bounce back. The Grizzlies would be buying low on a guy who, at his best, could be a solid 3-and-D contributor.
Obviously, right now, the money is bad. And it’s a long-term deal, which isn’t great. But if the Grizzlies can eke out some solid draft compensation from Denver, they should consider the deal.
They have other guys who they can cut in order to make something happen, and Braun would be a nice buy-low guy (especially since they would probably get picks in the deal).
It’s a worthwhile idea to consider for Memphis.
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