Orlando Magic small forward Franz Wagner is believed to be a young player the Memphis Grizzlies have targeted in recent months, according to NBA insider Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports.
The Grizzlies acquired Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart from the Boston Celtics and traded point guard Tyus Jones to the Washington Wizards in the three-team trade that send All-Star power forward Kristaps Porzingis from Washington to Boston.
“Memphis had been searching to trade Jones into a starting job, as Yahoo Sports reported earlier this week, with the goal of adding defensive-minded wing depth,” Fischer wrote. “Smart, the 2021-22 Defensive Player of the Year, brings the Grizzlies that type of premium, lockdown pest on the perimeter, plus a spot starter for Ja Morant while Memphis’ All-Star guard serves a 25-game suspension. The Grizzlies have dangled multiple first-round picks in pursuit of various wing players such as Mikal Bridges dating back to the February trade deadline, sources said. Magic swingman Franz Wagner is believed to be another young player Memphis has targeted in recent months.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Franz Wagner, Orlando Magic & Memphis Grizzlies Updates
“Sending a pair of late first-rounders for Smart — the Warriors certainly aim to be among the best in the West next season — seems like a strong middle ground between marginal improvement and a home run swing for the Grizzlies, while Smart has three years left on a value contract with an average annual salary of $19 million,” Fischer explained.
Wagner averaged 18.6 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.5 assists for the Magic this past season while shooting 48.5% from the field, 36.1% from beyond the arc and 84.2% from the free-throw line. The Michigan product is not believed to be available in trade talks.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Franz Wagner, Orlando Magic & Memphis Grizzlies Updates
The 21-year-old Wagner has career averages of 16.9 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.2 assists. The Magic believe the Berlin native has All-Star potential written all over him.
Want the latest NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
