Grizzlies forward tabbed as possible trade target for rebuilding east team

The Memphis Grizzlies are amid one of their worst seasons in recent memory, as they currently boast the league's third-lowest record at 6-17 and reside in the 14 seed out west, a far cry from their second-seeded finishes over the last two years.

As a result of this turmoil, both fans and media pundits alike have been clamoring for a shakeup, with some such as Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report suggesting that the ball club should participate in "selective selling," and, should they embark on this route, there are several names that could theoretically be sent packing.

One player, in particular, is second-year forward Jake LaRavia who, since coming into the association back in the 2022 draft, has struggled mightily to find a consistent role within head coach Taylor Jenkins' rotation.

Despite his shortcomings, however, the 22-year-old still has the allure of being a recent first-round selection which, to many rebuilding teams, is seen as a valuable asset to have in tow and, recently, Aaron Kellerstrass of Piston Powered made the case that the youngster's services could be of good use for the cellar dweller Detroit Pistons.

Grizzlies forward Jake LaRavia tabbed as possible target for Pistons

"He's gotten limited run in the NBA, but the 6-foot-8 forward shot over 38 percent from long range in college and is a guy I profiled as a possible second-round pick for the Pistons.

This is hardly the type of sweeping move the Detroit Pistons need to clear the stench of losing off this team, but while they are waiting for Troy Weaver Van Winkle to wake up and do something (or get fired) LaRavia is a prospect they could use, especially with both Jalen Duren and Marvin Bagley III out and the Pistons light on bigs.

LaRavia is at least a skilled big man, something the Pistons do not currently have."

- Aaron Kellerstrass on Jake LaRavia

LaRavia came into the NBA branded as a promising two-way, tweener forward prospect who, during his final season at the collegiate level, posted 14.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.7 steals, and 1.0 blocks while shooting 55.9 percent from the floor and 38.4 percent from deep.

However, since his arrival to the Grizzlies, he has split time between the varsity team and the G League and sports career averages of just 3.1 points and 1.7 rebounds, though has shown flashes of his pre-draft potential at times.

Unfortunately, on a presumed win-now team like Memphis playing time is something that has and will continue to be hard to come by for LaRavia, thus suggesting that his progressions as a player will undoubtably be stunted and undesierably slow.

That said, on a youth-movement team such as the Pistons, coming across meaningful minutes will likely be a lot easier for the former Wake Forrest standout, and the possibility of him living up to his draft status could pique some serious interest.

While his trade value may be rather low he's still attached to his first-round pedigree and, should the Grizzlies feel the need to open up an extra roster spot, at the very least they should understand that LaRavia could be a player who could draw attention on the market.