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

1. Mikal Bridges

At last year's trade deadline, the Memphis Grizzlies were reported to have been immensely interested in having Mikal Bridges rerouted from Brooklyn to the 38103 following the Kevin Durant-to-Phoenix blockbuster, and even offered up as many as four first-round picks in an attempt to get a deal done.

Ultimately, the Nets opted to keep him in tow and move along with him serving as their franchise cornerstone.

Fast forward nearly a year later, however, and we see GM Sean Marks' decision to keep the forward in tow has yet to prove successful, as the team boasts a rather lackluster record of 17-25 and are currently amid a losing stretch where they've dropped 10 games over their last 12.

With many now believing Brooklyn should consider the idea of a rebuild, perhaps it could be a good time for the Grizzlies to once again check in about Bridges' possible availability.

Tabbed as an optimal trade target on several occasions throughout this season, the 2018 lottery selection finds himself amid a career-best campaign, posting averages of 21.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists while shooting 45.2 percent from the floor and 35.4 percent from deep.

Outside from being a stud on the offensive side of the ball, due to his tremendous athleticism, high basketball IQ, and enviable 7-foot-1 wingspan, Bridges is also a highly capable defensive contributor who, for his career, sports a 113 defensive rating as well as a positive defensive box plus-minus.

Bringing him aboard would not only give the Grizzlies a much-needed answer to their wing woes, but would create one of the league's most formidable starting units heading into 2024-25 with him joining forces with Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Steven Adams.

Though an offer of four first-rounders might no longer be on the table, perhaps some combination of three and a collection of young players could entice the slumping Nets to pull the trigger.

At the very least, it's an idea worthy of Memphis inquiring about.