3 studs Grizzlies could still look to trade for ahead of Feb 8 deadline

2. Jordan Clarkson

Even when winning their second-straight Southwest Division crown during the 2022-23 season, it was apparent that the Grizzlies lacked any real spark plug scoring option within their bench rotation, and this season things have gotten even worse without the presence of guys like Tyus Jones.

Though having star power is certainly ideal, and a healthy Memphis team has plenty of it with the likes of Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr., a trusty sixth-man can be similarly as valuable, which is why Kleiman and co. may want to inquire about Jazz guard, Jordan Clarkson.

Seemingly on the fence regarding pushing for the playoffs or accepting a full fledged rebuild, should Utah embark on the latter their sixth-man extraordinaire would be a hot target for virtually any team in need of a second-unit scoring upgrade.

While the Grizzlies may not currently fit the mold that other possible pursuers of his services will, as they are likely to be teams gunning for a deep playoff push this season, come next year's campaign when they get guys like Morant, Brandon Clarke, and Steven Adams all presumably back to full strength they will be tabbed as a legitimate title threat.

Pursuing Clarkson now could be seen as a head start for the franchise.

Currently in his 10 season in the association, the 31-year-old Clarkson still produces like a bonafide bucket-getter every time he steps foot on the hardwood.

Since his arrival in Salt Lake City back in 2020-21, the combo guard has posted impressive averages of 18.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game and wound up winning the league's Sixth Man of the Year award along the way.

Adding his type of skill set to a Grizzlies bench unit that has ranked a middling 14 and, now, a putrid 26 in offensive rating over the last two years could prove to be a luxury for this team moving forward, especially considering he's under contract through 2025-26 on a rather reasonable per-year salary of $18.3 million.