The Memphis Grizzlies have tied the second-best start in franchise history through the team’s first 30 games of a season with a 20-10. As good as things have been for them this season, they have a problem that is a good one to have but could use some readjusting.
The Problem: The team is too good.
But it is more complex than it sounds. With 15 (the number jumps to 17, depending on how the front office views John Konchar and Cam Spencer) quality rotational pieces, someone will end up out of the rotation and unhappy. During the 2023-2024 season, this issue was ailed by a historic amount of injuries, including:
- Most games lost to injury in NBA history (578)
- Most players used in one season in NBA history (33)
Through the first quarter of the 2024-25 season, the Grizzlies have been down an assortment of key pieces, leading to the emergence of Jay Huff, Scotty Pippen Jr., Jaylen Wells, and others. Memphis’ latest status report (December 26th) still includes GG Jackson and Vince Williams Jr's lingering injuries and short-term injuries in Jay Huff and Marcus Smart.
Thus, the Grizzlies will soon receive another infusion of talent to a team that has won twice as many games as it has lost. Undeniably, it is a good problem but must still be addressed.
The Fix: Consolidation.
The Grizzlies have excessive solid assets, so why not turn four quarters into a dollar? Who on the team would the Grizzlies feel comfortable dealing away? Some candidates include:
- Santi Aldama, Forward
- Marcus Smart: Guard
- Luke Kennard, Wing
- John Konchar, Wing
Zach Kleiman has been looking for a three-and-D wing defender for some time now after reports from Zach Lowe reported the Grizzlies offered four first-round picks for Mikal Bridges and three firsts for OG Anunoby in February 2023; both were declined.
So, here are some devised trades for players who may fit the description to get the ball rolling for Kleiman:
Oklahoma City Thunder receive: Marcus Smart, John Konchar
Memphis Grizzlies receive: Aaron Wiggins
The Grizzlies grab a 25-year-old wing averaging a career-high 8.6 points per game on 39% three-point shooting.
Minnesota Timberwolves receive: Luke Kennard, Santi Aldama, 2026 first-round pick.
Memphis Grizzlies receive: Naz Reid.
This may feel a bit lateral for the Grizzlies, but Naz Reid is an asset waiting to be unlocked as the reigning Sixth Man of the Year looks to unlock his game.
Brooklyn Nets receive Marcus Smart, John Konchar, 2026, 2027 first-round pick
Memphis Grizzlies receive Cam Johnson
In a Nets trade long rumored to happen, the Grizzlies aid the Nets in beginning the rebuild and, in the process, add an 18-point-per-game scorer.