Grizzlies 'could emerge' as realistic landing spot for $136 million star: Report

The NBA's trade season is officially in full swing following the December 30 blockbuster OG Anunoby deal, and while the Memphis Grizzlies weren't the ones that snatched him up said transaction should serve as a reminder to the franchise that if they wish to make something happen they may want to step into action sooner rather than later.

Though we still have some time separating now and February 8's deadline, a month and change can breeze by rather quickly if a team is unprepared.

Fortunately, it seems as though the Grizzlies have been somewhat active behind the scenes for some time now, presumably directing inquiries toward opposing clubs regarding particular players, as a recent report noted that they are being tabbed as a possible destination for one specific Eastern Conference stud.

Grizzlies 'could emerge' as suitors for Raptors star Pascal Siakam

Per NBA correspondent Marc Stein, Memphis is among of select group of teams that "could emerge" as suitors for 29-year-old star, Pascal Siakam.

With the fact that his $136 million contract is set to expire come the conclusion of this season, according to Stein any team "daring enough" to cash in on a Siakam trade must be prepared to compete with others to re-sign him in unrestricted free agency, a path he would prefer to go down rather than signing a two-year extension.

Long has the forward been tabbed as a possible trade target for the Grizzlies organization, with Bleacher Report's Grant Hughes arguing back in July that his addition would make them a "monstrous" unit on both ends of the floor.

A two-time All-NBA talent and an NBA Champion (won with the Raptors in 2019), Siakam currently finds himself amid yet another tremendous campaign as he is boasting stellar averages of 22.4 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 5.0 assists through 33 outings while shooting 51.8 percent from the floor.

Pairing him with the likes of Jaren Jackson Jr. and Marcus Smart would provide Memphis with one of the league's most menacing defensive trios while his star power inserted into a unit already consisting of Jackson, Desmond Bane, and, of course, Ja Morant would likely rival any other club's assortment.

Though they may be 4-2 since the return of Morant, the Grizzlies are still just 10-22 on the year and are eight wins behind the eighth-seeded Phoenix Suns in the conference standings.

In order for them to realistically have a shot at a Cinderella story-esque second half, making a splashy move during this year's trade season could be a strategic way of bettering their odds of playoff contention.

With this, pursuing a Siakam deal might be the direction GM Zach Kleiman and company should look to go.