Grizzlies linked as trade destination for 28-year-old forward

The Memphis Grizzlies may currently be playing through one of their most challenging campaigns in recent memory and boast the Western Conference's third-worst record at 15-26, but rumor has it they're still interested in adding some extra talents and bolstering their roster prior to February's trade deadline.

According to a recent report by Sam Amico of Hoops Wire, the franchise is one of a select few teams who have expressed interest in pursuing Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma before next month's cut-off, who is someone Michael Scotto of HoopsHype has been on record stating Washington is open to parting ways with.

Grizzlies linked to Wizards' Kyle Kuzma as possible trade destination

"League sources told Hoops Wire that the Memphis Grizzlies, San Antonio Spurs and Golden State Warriors are among those who could have an interest in Kuzma."

- Sam Amico

In his report, Amico would go on to state that though the Grizzlies are interest in the 28-year-old's services, they are unwilling to "part with potential lottery picks."

Amid a career-best campaign, Kuzma finds himself posting tremendous per-game averages of 22.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 4.2 assists while shooting 45.6 percent from the floor and 34.6 percent from distance.

An established bucket-getter with championship experience attached to his resume (won title with Lakers in 2020), the Grizzlies have been linked to the seventh-year pro for quite some time now, with some referring to him as someone who should be their "top" target this trade season.

Though Memphis may very well find themselves on the outside looking in on a Play-In Tournament slot come year's end, as The Commercial Appeal's Damichael Cole suggests this team will likely look to continue to fight until the bitter end, thus making Kuzma an interesting mid-season pursuit.

However, even if they do wind up falling short, considering his age coupled with the fact that he's under contract through 2027 adding the forward to Taylor Jenkins' current core could also be seen as a highly strategic long-term move on top of being an immediate talent upgrade.