3. Memphis Grizzlies
The Memphis Grizzlies had a wonderful 2020-21 season. They returned to the postseason after a three-year hiatus, going 38-34 and earning the No. 8 seed via the NBA Play-In Tournament.
As with most successful Grizzlies teams, last season’s team was predicated on slowing things down and grinding out wins. They wore teams down and won games with their defense. To take that next step, they need to add some more offensive firepower to the mix.
The Grizzlies have taken part in a lot of trades this offseason, acquiring an extra draft pick in 2022 from the New Orleans Pelicans in the Jonas Valanciunas for Eric Bledsoe and Steven Adams deal. They should look into possibly using some of their added assets in a deal to acquire D’Angelo Russell.
The Grizzlies and Minnesota Timberwolves already completed a deal this offseason, as the Grizzlies sent Patrick Beverley to Minnesota in exchange for Juancho Hernangomez and Jarrett Culver. Having some familiarity with each other already, the teams could link up again on a Russell deal.
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The former Ohio State Buckeye would provide the Grizzlies with the scoring punch they need. He would combine to make a nice backcourt pairing with Ja Morant, providing some floor spacing as well.
