Why This Trade Benefits The Memphis Grizzlies

As mentioned earlier, the Memphis Grizzlies need talent that they can depend on. Acquiring Kentavious-Caldwell Pope and Alex Caruso not only gives them two established role players, but each guy brings something different to the table for Memphis.

KCP is a great catch-and-shoot perimeter player, which is exactly what this team needs, as they rank 28th in the NBA in three-point shooting percentage. Rookie Desmond Bane looks to be a legit three-point threat early on in his career, but besides him, the only other known three-point shooter on this team is Dillon Brooks and he is struggling to shoot this year. 

The Grizzlies could really use Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and his veteran leadership because he can not only provide them with perimeter-scoring, but he can help lead them, especially with Morant and Jackson Jr. out. Gorgui Dieng is the only player on this roster over the age of 30 and while KCP is only 27-years old, he has played with some great veteran talents over the years and can be a veteran leader for this Memphis Grizzlies team.

Alex Caruso is a younger player, but can help the Grizzlies’ backcourt a lot. He is not really a primary ball-handler, nor is he a great facilitator, but he does all the little things on the basketball court in order to help his team win.

Whether it is making the extra pass or playing great one-on-one defense, Caruso does everything on the court that does not necessarily show up in the stat sheets. He knows what it takes to win and being young himself, as he is only 26-years old, Alex Caruso could be a guy that the Grizzlies could keep around for a long time.

De’Anthony Melton has potential to be a solid role player, but getting two role players for the price of one to help win now is ultimately what Memphis needs if they are to make the playoffs. They already have their young core put together, all they need is for them to be healthy and to surround them with experienced role players.