3 not-so-obvious untouchable Grizzlies ahead of NBA trade deadline

Time is dwindling on NBA trade season and there's still no clear indication regarding what the plan is for this Memphis Grizzlies team.

Though the recent Steven Adams and Xavier Tillman transactions may have one believing the club is looking to simply serve as sellers, recent rumblings suggest there are at least a few players scattered across the association that have garnered the attention of GM Zach Kleiman.

Regardless of what their agenda may be ahead of February 8, one can safely assume that the likes of Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson will be staying put beyond the aforementioned cutoff date, as they are the clear trio that headline the roster's "untouchable" category.

However, when looking at the other players found under contract, there appear to be several others who could easily have an argument of being viewed in a similar vein.

Not-so-obvious untouchable Memphis Grizzlies players

While they're far from being considered stars, there are without question a few other not-so-obvious members of the Grizzlies that should be held out of trade discussions leading up to this year's deadline.

3. Santi Aldama

Throughout this incredibly challenging, injury-ravaged 2023-24 season, Santi Aldama has consistently proven to be a bright spot for this Grizzlies squad.

Amid a career-best campaign, the power forward is posting impressive per-game averages of 10.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and just shy of a block per game while shooting 35.7 percent from distance.

If this year has taught the Grizzlies anything, it's that having quality positional depth is vital, as the injury bug is capable of going on a biting spree at any moment.

With this, having a 7-foot tweener big within their reserves who can space the floor, maneuver in the paint, and protect the rim is a must-have, especially with the discomforting injury resumes of both Brandon Clarke and Jaren Jackson Jr. along with the team's curious state of the center spot.

While taking this along with the fact that he's still just 23 years old and is under contract through next season at just a $3.9 million clip into account, there's an argument to be made that Aldama is safer than almost anyone outside of Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, Jaren Jackson Jr., and perhaps even Marcus Smart.

2. GG Jackson

Deemed by Grind City Media's Michael Wallace as "the best-looking prospect" the Grizzlies have seen since selecting Ja Morant with the second overall pick back in 2019, GG Jackson has endeared himself to the fans and franchise in a major way through his rookie campaign.

One of the lone positives that have come from the slew of injuries that have ravaged the team's regular rotation throughout the season, the 45 overall pick from this past draft has received a larger than anticipated share of minutes within coach Taylor Jenkins' rotation and, in turn, has seemingly made ever second of action count.

Through 19 total games played, the wing has posted impressive averages of 8.9 points and 3.2 rebounds while shooting an efficient 37.5 percent from deep on 3.8 attempts per night.

A highly underrated prospect coming into the draft, the 19-year-old is showcasing the athleticism, burst, and overall scoring capabilities that made him a five-star recruit coming out of high school in 2022.

As a result of his play to this point, many are suggesting that Jackson could end up earning a full-scale contract (currently signed to a two-way deal) before this season comes to an end, and the recent trade involving Xavier Tillman may have only strengthened these odds.

1. Vince Williams Jr.

Without question, Vince Williams Jr. is a player the Grizzlies would be foolish to let go of any time soon.

A true two-way weapon with unfathomably high energy levels, the wing has received comparisons to franchise legend Tony Allen on numerous occasions throughout his second season in Memphis and, frankly, it's easy to see why.

Backed by his length, athleticism, and energizer bunny brand of hustle, Williams' defensive efforts have seamlessly fit right into the culture of Grind City while his offensive game has only steadily improved since beginning to see more consistent minutes back in late November.

Over his last 30 games, Williams has served as one of the main producers for the Grizzlies, as he finds himself posting impressive averages of 11.0 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and just shy of a block per game while shooting 39.7 percent from deep on 4.7 attempts.

With this level of production, not only has the 23-year-old become a favorite amongst the fanbase, but he has managed to earn himself a multi-year, full-scale contract in the process, as he inked a new three-year, $3.9 million deal back in early January.

On top of being seen as nearly untouchable in trade talks, Vince Williams Jr. should be viewed by the Grizzlies as a potential core piece moving forward.