Ranking 3 recently listed Grizzlies trade assets based on likelihood of being moved

2. Brandon Clarke

For a while there, the idea of trading Brandon Clarke wasn't all that wild of a concept.

After all, he had torn his Achilles during the second half of the 2022-23 campaign, which, especially when considering he's an innately athletic big man who prioritizes his bounce, had some worrying that he may never return to full form and, in turn, Memphis was urged by some to consider trading high on his potential rather than risk finding out that their fifth-year pro is damaged goods.

Fortunately, the Grizzlies didn't panic or succumb to the "worst-case scenario" talking points and, instead, patiently waited for the 27-year-old to make his way back to the hardwood during the final two and a half weeks of the 2023-24 campaign where he showed hints of his pre-injury self right from the jump.

Aside from the obvious rust that comes with being sidelined for a little over a year, Clarke showcased his tremendous mobility, acrobatic hops, and elite-level defensive chops during his six games played last season that has earned him the status of being a core piece within Memphis' rotation.

In other words, fears of him being a shell of himself were seemingly put to rest.

In 22.3 minutes a game, the power forward posted solid averages of 11.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks on 55.9 percent shooting from deep all while registering a respectable defensive rating of 113.

Though perhaps a short sample size to some, what he managed to show on the court post-operation was that he can still move really well and provide the intangibles that have made him a beloved member of this Grizzlies team throughout his five-year tenure.

With an official return to action already under his belt, the jitters are presumably all out of Clarke's system as he prepares as he normally would heading into year six.