Does this trade make sense for the Memphis Grizzlies?
If they have a shot to acquire Brandon Ingram, the Memphis Grizzlies need to do everything they can to make this trade a reality. Kyle Anderson is on an expiring contract and neither Melton nor Clarke are going to live up to the potential that Ingram currently has and is still growing into.
Brandon Ingram is now in his 6th season in the NBA, but what many tend to forget is that he is only 24-years-old. We tend to refer to Ingram as a “veteran” now, but he is still a very young player in this league, and the fact that he has already been an All-Star just shows the kind of potential he has moving forward.
Since joining the New Orleans Pelicans, Ingram has averaged 23.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.5 assists and has shot 46.4% from the floor, 38.8% from three-point range.
He is the picture-perfect second All-Star to pair with Ja Morant not only because of his ability to be the “alpha” from time to time, but because he is a factor defensively too.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 3 Teams Who Should Be Eyeing Trade For Pelicans’ Brandon Ingram
The Pelicans’ forward is not known for being a defender because of what he does offensively, but Ingram is a very underrated defender in this league. His length allows him to guard virtually any player in the NBA and next to Dillon Brooks and Jaren Jackson Jr., the Grizzlies could suddenly become a really strong defensive team.
The only downside to this move is that the Grizzlies would basically be limiting any potential moves they can make in free agency and contract negotiations. Brandon Ingram is under contract through the 2024-25 season and is owed $130.9M through then.
With a mega Ja Morant contract extension on the horizon and Dillon Brooks also up for a contract extension, the Grizzlies could wind up running into a financial problem where they would be hard-capped after making such a move.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 3 Teams Who Should Be Eyeing Trade For Pelicans’ Brandon Ingram
From a pure talent perspective though, this is the best trade the Grizzlies could make in order to become championship contenders for years to come. Ja Morant is only 22, Jaren Jackson Jr. is only 22 and Dillon Brooks is only 25, making this potential Memphis core one of the youngest, yet deadliest groups in the entire league.
If they can land Brandon Ingram in a trade, the Memphis Grizzlies should do everything they can to acquire him, but he may not be for sale anytime soon.
