5 Trades to fill Memphis Grizzlies biggest holes
By Tyler Watts
The Memphis Grizzlies have played behind the eight-ball all season. Ja Morant was suspended for the first 25 games, and the franchise only managed to win six times without him. If they want to get back to the playoffs for the fourth straight year, Memphis must play like an elite team and needs Ja Morant to stay on the floor.
The Grizzlies have a superstar in Morant, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year in Jaren Jackson Jr., and an elite scorer in Desmond Bane. They need shooting around their core trio and a center who rebounds well. Losing Steven Adams for the season hurt, and Memphis must find a replacement if they want to make the Play-In Tournament and get back to the playoffs.
The NBA trade deadline is on Feb. 8, and the Grizzlies front office has work to do. They are within five games of tenth in the loaded Western Conference but need reinforcements to make any kind of run. They should explore these moves to fill their biggest holes.
5. Grizzlies convince Magic to move big man
The Magic have a glut of big men. Wendell Carter Jr. was their starter to begin the season, but an injury opened the door for Goga Bitadze. The Georgian played so well that he has taken the starting job and left Carter coming off the bench. Orlando also has Moe Wagner vying for minutes and could look to trade a big man before the deadline.
Carter will certainly draw some interest with his descending contract. He can become a free agent in 2026, and the 24-year-old is still getting better. This could be Memphis’ chance to buy low as the big man is having the worst statistical year of his career.
Grizz get Carter Jr.
This trade could be a massive win for the Grizzlies. Losing Luke Kennard’s shooting hurts, but Harris is a career 36.8 percent 3-point marksman. The Magic’s wing has struggled to stay healthy, but still plays well at both ends when on the floor.
Carter is developing a consistent jumper of his own and gives Memphis some needed scoring and rebounding at the five. It would likely cost them a first-round pick plus two seconds to make the deal, but that could be a massive win for the Grizzlies.