NBA rosters are like fast-food restaurants: they’ve got a high rate of turnover. Sure, the best players on a team are likely entrenched – unless, of course, they want to leave. On the other hand, role players are cyclical. For the most part, they can be replaced.
That’s good news for the Memphis Grizzlies. They decided to let Dillon Brooks walk in free agency this summer. That was a justifiable decision. Brooks’ shot selection throughout 2022-23 was horrid, and he’s seemed like an off-court distraction at times. On the other hand, he’s one of the best defensive wings in the NBA.
So, the Grizzlies will need to replace him. That replacement doesn’t have to be perfect: the Grizzlies aren’t looking to replicate Brooks. Still, there’s a vacancy for a wing on this roster. How about Keldon Johnson of the San Antonio Spurs?
The Trade Proposal
San Antonio Spurs Receive: C Steven Adams, G/F Ziare Williams, F Jake LaRavia, 2025 First-Round Pick (MEM), 2026 First-Round Pick (Swap – MEM)
Memphis Grizzlies Receive: G/F Keldon Johnson
With that said, when a team lands a franchise player, they hope to retain him. Sometimes, they’ll even put up with problematic behavior in order to do so.
Let’s not detail Ja Morant’s antics. Suffice it to say, he’ll spend the first chunk of the upcoming NBA season serving a suspension. Morant’s behavior has been troubling off the court. Still, he’s one of the most talented young guards in the NBA. In all likelihood, the Grizzlies will keep him around for as long as they can.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Keldon Johnson, Memphis Grizzlies & San Antonio Spurs Updates
With that said, the Spurs will certainly hope to avoid those pitfalls with Victor Wembanyama. This is the most anticipated NBA prospect in decades. The expectation is that Wembanyama will eventually lead the Spurs both on and off the court. Does this deal help get his career on the right track?
Why The San Antonio Spurs Do The Deal
This deal serves both short and long-term interests for the Spurs. On an immediate basis, they’ll be happy to land Steven Adams. The Spurs are apparently looking for a conventional big man to pair Wemanyama with. It’s hard to imagine a better fit than Adams. As one of the most physical players in the league, he’ll be willing and able to do the dirty work for San Antonio’s franchise player.
With that said, the Spurs wouldn’t swap Johnson for Adams. Johnson is considerably younger, and he’s a proven producer. This is a player with star potential. With that in mind, the rebuilding Spurs could have reservations about moving him in the first place.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Keldon Johnson, Memphis Grizzlies & San Antonio Spurs Updates
Fair. On the other hand, Williams has some star potential in his own right. LaRavia is a solid young role-player. Throw in a first-round pick and a swap, and this could be enough for the Spurs to move Johnson – especially with the similar Devin Vassell in tow. Should the Grizzlies give this much up for Johnson?
Why The Memphis Grizzlies Do The Deal
We could say that the Grizzlies are doing this deal to replace Dillon Brooks. It would be true – but it would also be simplifying the matter.
After all, these are different players. Brooks is an elite defender, whereas Johnson is merely solid. On the other hand, he’s a more dynamic and more reliable offensive player. The Grizzlies would be nearly impossible to stop with Morant, Desmond Bane, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Johnson on the floor.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Keldon Johnson, Memphis Grizzlies & San Antonio Spurs Updates
That’s the point here – to build an unstoppable team. The Grizzlies should have title aspirations in 2023-24. With that in mind, they don’t need to cling to their draft capital. The Grizzlies don’t need to cling to role players, either – as valuable as they are, they can be replaced.
