According to a recent report by Cavaliers beat writer Evan Dammarell, the Memphis Grizzlies are believed to be one of a few teams "worth monitoring" in a possible Donovan Mitchell sweepstakes this coming offseason.
Following their recent elimination from the 2024 NBA Playoffs, rumors have started to circulate suggesting that there could be significant changes on the way out in Cleveland, with some believing the All-Star could be a player to watch for on the trade block.
However, considering executives across the league see the franchise as being "optimistic" when it comes to agreeing to terms on a long-term pact with Mitchell, in the event that Koby Altman and company actually pursue shakeups to their rotation, it very likely will not come at the expense of the shooting guard.
Non-Donovan Mitchell Cavs players Grizzlies should consider trading for
Of course, because of this, other notable commodities from the Cavaliers' recent 48-win team could find themselves being made available during the upcoming summer months and, quite frankly, a few names, in particular, could prove to be more coveted by the Grizzlies than Mitchell.
Georges Niang
Though Georges Niang may be a far cry from the type of talent that perennial All-Star Donovan Mitchell may be, in many ways, his services on the Grizzlies could be far more desirable.
Throughout his eight-year career in the association, the 30-year-old has proven to be a highly dependable offensive contributor, as he sports a career 39.7 three-point percentage as well as a 59.1 true shooting percentage.
Beep beep BOOOM.@GeorgesNiang20 | #LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/GUCEoI7lhs
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) April 6, 2024
In his first season out in Cleveland, Niang went on to record one of his best all-around campaigns, as he wrapped up with career highs in points (9.4), rebounds (3.4), and assists (1.2) while cashing in on 37.6 percent of his 4.8 three-point attempts per night.
A player of his skillset would be of great use on a Grizzlies team that just capped off this past season ranked dead-last in field goal percentage and second-to-last in three-point field goal percentage, and that lacks significantly in depth at both the three and four positions.
Adding on a tweener forward who could help Memphis run five-out offenses more frequently all at an average salary of just $8.35 million over the next two seasons? Yes please!