The Memphis Grizzlies held high expectations for the 2022-23 NBA season. They were on the fast track to success until problems arose for Ja Morant off the court. Making matters worse, the team’s brand of trash talk didn’t match up with their on-court performance in the first-round against LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers, resulting in an early exit.
There will be changes for the Grizzlies during the offseason. They have already leaked that Dillon Brooks will not be back next season “under any circumstances.” With Memphis already needing to make an upgrade on the wing, there should be aspirations to be bold.
During his exit interview, Grizzlies executive vice president of basketball operations Zach Kleiman told reporters that the team would be “very aggressive” on the trade market. With five first-round picks and three first-round pick swaps to use at their disposal, Memphis has the trade ammo to make a major move to build around Morant quickly.
There have been some rising star wing players linked to the Grizzlies, based on their trade attempts during the midseason deadline, including pursuits of names like OG Anunoby of the Toronto Raptors and Brooklyn Nets’ Mikal Bridges. What if they aimed even higher?
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Paul George, Los Angeles Clippers & Memphis Grizzlies Updates
In a recent trade scenario proposed by NBA Analysis Network, the Grizzlies would acquire Paul George from the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for Brandon Clarke, Tyus Jones, Steven Adams, a 2024 First-Round Pick (GSW via MEM), a 2026 First-Round Pick (MEM), and a 2028 First-Round Pick (MEM).
George is coming off yet another impressive season with the Clippers, averaging 23.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.1 assists in 56 games. However, he could not play during the team’s first-round playoff series against the Phoenix Suns due to a knee sprain and missed 26 regular season games.
While the Clippers will undoubtedly continue to try to compete with Kawhi Leonard and George as co-stars for the foreseeable future, there’s a case to be made to consider to trade proposals. The team has been unable to stay healthy in big moments, but they are so heavily invested in this current roster.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Paul George, Los Angeles Clippers & Memphis Grizzlies Updates
If the Clippers managed to gain some draft compensation back in exchange for George, they could reconfigure the roster similar to how the Nets are faced with re-tooling despite not owning their draft capital for the foreseeable future. Getting the proper trade return can still provide optimism.
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