Grade the mock trade: Grizzlies make risky move for injury prone big man

The Memphis Grizzlies bounce back from a lost season hinges on health and their center play. No team lost more games to injury in 2024, and fans know about Ja Morant’s checkered history. It appears Memphis plans on starting a rookie at center. Steven Adams is in Houston, and Zach Edey won’t have much time to adjust to the NBA.

The Western Conference is stacked and every game will count. Just four games separated fifth and tenth last season, which is the difference between automatically qualifying for the playoffs and being the last seed in the Play-In Tournament. Memphis must come out of the gate strong and return to their 2023 form if they want to be back in the mix.

Grizzlies could use an upgrade at the five, but is it worth targeting an injury-prone big man? Bleacher Report’s Grant Hughes offered trades to alter starting lineups where he had Robert Williams III heading to Memphis. It is a risky move, but should the Grizzlies consider it?

Grizzlies land Robert Williams III in a mock trade

Portland has a glut of centers after drafting Donovan Clingan. Doup Reath proved to be a capable backup last season behind Deandre Ayton, but he is likely fourth string after this offseason. Williams III played just six games last year before suffering a season-ending knee injury. The Blazers will certainly entertain offers, but can they find a taker?

This is a high-risk move for Memphis, but Portland may jump at the chance. Getting a couple of draft picks and another role player to flip is enticing. Here is a look at the proposed deal.

The second-rounders come from the Clippers in 2026 and the Hawks in 2027. Both could be near the top of the round, but finding value after the first 30 picks is never easy. Clark has three years and $37.5 million remaining on his contract, and Williams has just two seasons left. Portland would be spending more but could look to move on to better balance their roster.

Is this worth exploring for Memphis? It likely depends on their appetite for risk.

Should the Grizzlies make this move?

Williams III has proven to be a strong and versatile defender. He is coming off a significant injury, but finding a 6’9 big man with his skill set is difficult. The Grizzlies can't expect too much, though.

Williams III has played just 215 games in six NBA seasons. He has appeared in over 60 contests just once and topped 35 only twice. The 26-year-old should be entering his prime, but there are no guarantees as his injury history grows.

Williams III protected the rim and defended on the perimeter in four straight playoffs for Boston. It would give the Grizzlies a trusted option behind Zach Edey, but only when he is healthy.

Grade: C+

The Grizzlies are trading a backup big man and two second-round picks for a potential starter. They would be wise to limit Robert Williams III’s minutes during the regular season to keep him healthy for the postseason. It would be a massive gamble that could become a slam dunk or bust.

The Memphis Grizzlies want to return to contention and must consider adding talent whenever possible. Williams III is a difference-maker, but this risk is a bit too much here. Consider this a C-plus deal with the potential to swing wildly in either direction based on his health.