With the NBA trade deadline in the rearview mirror, it's time for the Memphis Grizzlies to move forward. With one of the deepest rosters in the league, the team had to settle for consolidation by trading away Marcus Smart and Jake LaRavia for Johnny Davis and Marvin Bagley III.
It is unknown at the moment what the team's plans are for Davis and Bagley III, but the buyout market could offer some intrigue for the Grizzlies to obtain what they missed at the trade deadline. The three-team deal they executed didn't clear a roster spot for the team but both returning contracts are expiring.
While the team awaits their decisions on keeping or waiving one or both of Davis and Bagley III and which veteran players reach a buyout, their deadline move made one thing clear about the Grizzlies' vision for this season.
They believe in their young wings
The Grizzlies have one of the best young cores in the league with the oldest of their big three being Desmond Bane at 26 years old. Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. are 25 years old and they collectively have 65 games of total playoff experience through four playoff series between 2021-2023.
The rest of their roster only has 58 total games played of playoff experience. The general consensus around the team was they were one veteran 3-and-D piece away from securing their status as a championship contender. Instead, the Grizzlies had to settle for trading away the player with the most playoff experience (108 games) in Marcus Smart to shed salary because of his stock being down from injuries.
Due to this, the Grizzlies will have to lean on their young but talented trio of wings Jaylen Wells, GG Jackson, and Vince Williams Jr. While they all possess no playoff experience, their play meshes with the Grizzlies' big three and can be utilized in the playoffs.
Jaylen Wells is in the running for Rookie of the Year and has taken on the assignment of guarding the opposing team's best perimeter player every night to good results. He is also shooting 37.7% from three, proving he can provide value on both ends of the court.
GG Jackson is heating up as he has scored 44 total points on 57% shooting in his last two games. He has only played nine games this season after returning from a broken foot injury. He showcased elite potential with his offensive skillset during his rookie season last year and is beginning to show those glimpses again.
Vince Williams Jr. is the ultimate glue guy who displays toughness on defense and is a playmaker and shot-maker on the offensive end. He just returned from an ankle injury and has only played four games this season after a promising second season last year.
These three wings are now in the driver's seat to provide the big three with extra support to compete for an NBA championship this season. Information can change with a buyout move, but regardless, these wings were likely going to play a role in the Grizzlies' rotation whether they either added a veteran, kept Marcus Smart, or signed a veteran.