Grizzlies 'have interest' in 23-year-old combo guard: Report

Despite their plethora of hardships endured throughout this 2023-24 campaign, the Memphis Grizzlies very well still may be buyers during this year's trade season.

Though perhaps a surprising scenario for a team that's without a bevy of its core players and that boasts the third-worst record in the Western Conference standings at 15-26, according to numerous sources there's a possibility that GM Zach Kleiman and company could be interested in bringing on some roster-bolstering talents ahead of the February 8 deadline.

And while some may be of the assumption that the franchise would be strictly looking to bring aboard players who reside at one of their two weakest positions in small forward and center, a recent report suggests that they could also be open to the possibility of improving their backcourt depth as well.

Grizzlies tabbed as having 'interest' in Knicks guard Quentin Grimes

Per a January 19 report by SNY's Ian Begley, the Grizzlies are one of five specifically named teams who have shown an interest in pursuing the talents of New York Knicks combo guard, Quentin Grimes.

"The Knicks may trade Quentin Grimes ahead of the Feb. 8 trade deadline, as he’ll certainly draw interest from opposing teams.

The Atlanta Hawks, Memphis Grizzlies, Utah Jazz and Houston Rockets are among the teams with interest in the 23-year-old shooting guard.

The New York Post reported that the Mavericks are also interested in Grimes."

- Ian Begley

A sound two-way presence when found on the hardwood, now in year three Grimes has struggled to find consistent minutes within the Knicks' rotation due to a rather sizable logjam in their backcourt with guys like Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and Donte DiVincenzo all vying for playing time.

Despite his lack of minutes in 2023-24, however, the 23-year-old is still an established bucket getter who, per 100 possessions, averages 18.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.3 assists while shooting 38.3 percent from deep.

Considering the slew of injuries that the Grizzlies have sustained within their backcourt this season (Ja Morant, Marcus Smart, and Desmond Bane are all out due to health-related ailments), coupled with the fact that the team's bench ranks fourth-worst in offensive rating, adding someone of Grimes' services could be a strategic move both in the immediate and long-term future, especially if they can land him for some combination of lesser-valued role players and future second-round picks.