The Memphis Grizzlies came into the 2022-23 season on a mission. After being defeated in the second round of the 2022 NBA Playoffs by the Golden State Warriors, they wanted to prove that it was now their time and that they were true contenders for the NBA Championship. So far, so good, as Memphis has been near the top of the Western Conference since the get-go.
Currently tied with the Denver Nuggets for first place in the conference, Memphis has proven to be a strong team on both ends of the court. They have overcome some injury issues this season, showcasing their great depth and talent top to bottom on the roster.
It would be hard to imagine Memphis making a splash trade during the season, but contending teams know it is better to be proactive in looking for upgrades than sit idly by while teams around them seek improvements. If the Grizzlies were going to make a major change, the center position may be where it comes.
Steven Adams is excellent at what he is tasked with doing. He does the dirty work on the interior as a defensive stalwart and rebounder. But, he doesn’t offer much offensively outside of setting tough screens and is a major liability at the foul line.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Myles Turner, Indiana Pacers & Memphis Grizzlies Updates
That is a good fit for what the Grizzlies do, but they could explore an upgrade to a player that offers more two-way impact. As suggested by Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report, Myles Turner of the Indiana Pacers could be an intriguing trade target.
Turner is having a career season with the Pacers, averaging 16.1 points on an efficient 54.3 percent from the field and 41.3 percent from 3-point range. Along with those career highs, Turner is also pulling down 7.9 rebounds per game, which is another career best.
He would add another dimension to the Grizzlies’ offense, further opening up the middle of the court for Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Dillon Brooks to attack and get into the paint. Teams would have to respect him on the perimeter, making them an even more dangerous offensive unit.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Myles Turner, Indiana Pacers & Memphis Grizzlies Updates
Combining Turner with Jaren Jackson Jr. in the frontcourt would give the Grizzlies arguably the most versatile duo in the NBA. Both are capable of handling themselves on the perimeter on both ends of the court and are erasers at the rim defensively, giving Taylor Jenkins endless possibilities with his lineup combinations.
