The Memphis Grizzlies have attempted to trade for Kevin Durant multiple times in the past to no avail, including this past trade deadline in February. With him expected to be on the move again this offseason, the team should put their name in the hat again for obvious reasons.
Despite their finish as the eighth seed in the Western Conference this season, Memphis was among one of the best teams in the conference throughout most of the season. A late-season slide due to a combination of inexperience, injuries, and a coaching change completely changed the outlook of a team that once looked like a real contender.
With that in mind, the Grizzlies need to exhaust all options that can help them take the next step. Getting swept in the first round against the Western Conference champion Oklahoma City Thunder should be more proof that their current team isn't capable of championship contention without an additional push.
Kevin Durant raises the ceiling of the Grizzlies
As great as Ja Morant has been as the lead guy in Memphis, the team has lacked a wing scorer who can create for himself. The hope was that GG Jackson would continue an upward trajectory in his development after showing that potential during his rookie season.
However, that was always a lot to put on a now 20-year-old, and a broken foot injury to begin his second season didn't help. Outside of having a reliable scorer on the wing, the Grizzlies have lacked veteran players that have been to where they are trying to go.
Marcus Smart was brought in to be that guy, but injuries derailed his short stint with the team before they traded him to prepare for contract negotiations for Jaren Jackson Jr. this offseason. Now the team is at a crossroads of making moves around the margins to fit their core three of Morant, Jackson Jr., and Desmond Bane, or shake things up.
Kevin Durant is a two-time NBA champion and former MVP who can still score at a high level at age 36. He is one of the best players in the history of the league, and acquiring him would make the Grizzlies one of the teams to beat in the Western Conference.
In the past, the Grizzlies made a slight attempt at acquiring Durant by offering anyone not named Morant, Jackson Jr., and Bane when he was with the Brooklyn Nets. Now, due to player contracts, the team will certainly have to part with one of their three core members to execute a workable deal
While it has been reported that Durant wouldn't welcome a trade to Memphis in the past, a chance to contend with Ja Morant is intriguing. The Grizzlies have to at least make an attempt at trading for the biggest name on the market if they are serious about becoming true championship contenders.