With two days remaining until the NBA trade deadline, the Memphis Grizzlies themselves as winners of nine of their last 10 games. They extended their lead over the Houston Rockets for the Western Conference's number two seed to 1.5 games after the Rockets' loss to the New York Knicks and the Grizzlies' victory over the San Antonio Spurs last night.
After a wild weekend that saw the Dallas Mavericks trade Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis and the Sacramento Kings trade De'Aaron Fox to the Spurs in a three-team deal, the trades keep getting interesting in the Western Conference. That three-team deal between the Spurs, Kings, and Chicago Bulls also brought the Kings back Zach LaVine from the Bulls.
While the Grizzlies continue to assess the moves they want to make the Mavericks have made another move, trading forward Quentin Grimes and a second-round draft pick to the Philadelphia 76ers for Caleb Martin. Both players are considered 3-and-D wings meaning two less potential options for the Grizzlies are off the board.
While none of those players' names have surfaced as trade targets for the Grizzlies, here are three 3-and-D wings that remain on the market.
1. Cam Johnson
The Nets forward is the perfect compliment for the Grizzlies' core guys due to his marksmanship from three (39.6% career shooter), defensive ability, and playoff experience. Jaylen Wells and GG Jackson are high-level players for the Grizzlies right now but have no experience in the playoffs.
The Grizzlies are looking to win a championship this season, and as enticing of a young core as they have at the wing position, an experienced 3-and-D wing could determine this team's ceiling.
2. Jimmy Butler
The polarizing Miami Heat star hasn't done himself any favors, as his contract ($48M this season) is already a hindrance in nearly any trade, and his actions to get away from Miami aren't ideal. Also, the term 3-and-D doesn't apply to Butler as he is more of a star player who hasn't had the most success from the three-point line (33% career shooter).
However, last season he shot a career-high 41.4% from three and can provide the Grizzlies with a halfcourt scoring option that they have lacked in previous playoff appearances. His defense remains high-level, but his options are dwindling on the trade market.
3. Bruce Brown
Similar to Jimmy Butler, Bruce Brown lacks in the three-point shooting department (33.6% career shooter), but his defense and hustle play can provide value to the Grizzlies. He was the best bench player for the Denver Nuggets 2022-23 championship season and wouldn't require the Grizzlies to alter their lineup for him to start.
He can provide backup minutes at the point guard, shooting guard, small forward, and power forward positions and would be an easy plug-and-play veteran to give the Grizzlies the push they need to win a championship.