The Memphis Grizzlies made headlines around the NBA last season. They just didn’t do it for the right seasons. Throughout the year, this team was at the center of endless controversy.
Ja Morant will begin the 2023-24 season serving a suspension. Dillon Brooks will be on the Houston Rockets. The Grizzlies seem to be undergoing a culture change. They don’t want to make the same type of noise next season. If people are talking about Memphis, they want it to be due to how many games they’re winning.
That’s a distinct possibility. There is a lot of talent on this team. With that said, the Grizzlies lost their backup point guard this summer. Tyus Jones is gone. Marcus Smart is an overall upgrade, but he’s not the same type of floor general. Will Memphis look to add a point guard throughout the year? If so, could they look at D’Angelo Russell of the Los Angeles Lakers?
The Trade Proposal
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G/F Luke Kennard, F/C Brandon Clarke
Memphis Grizzlies Receive: G D’Angelo Russell, F/C Jarred Vanderbilt
In fact, some of those headlines came when the Grizzlies faced the Lakers in the playoffs. Brooks was – how do we put this? – less than deferential to LeBron James. Brooks stirred the hornet’s nest, and the Grizzlies got stung.
Was he in the wrong? It’s difficult to say. Some will admire Brooks’ competitive spirit. To be sure, there’s something to be said for that. On the other hand, his judgment may have been poor. Brooks should have known that he wouldn’t gain a psychological edge over a player like James.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: D’Angelo Russell, Memphis Grizzlies & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
In some ways, it encapsulates Memphis as a whole. This is a scrappy, competitive young team. The Grizzlies don’t care what you think of them. That’s fine, but this team could stand to control some of their impulses. Does acquiring a sturdy floor general like Russell help?
Why The Memphis Grizzlies Do The Deal
Some Grizzlies fans will protest this deal. Sure, Morant is serving a suspension. He will be back. Why are the Grizzlies acquiring a starting-caliber point guard?
Well, Russel is talented. He’s a strong pick-and-roll ball-handler. Russell is a player who can set up teammates, and shoot off the dribble. With that said, he’s got some flaws. Russell is not a must-start player. Memphis would acquire him to pilot their second unit much like Jones has for years.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: D’Angelo Russell, Memphis Grizzlies & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Meanwhile, they can spare the players they’re losing here, too. Between Steven Adams, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Xavier Tillman, the Grizzlies have plenty of defensive big men like Clarke. Kennard is an elite floor spacer, but he’s not as dynamic of a player as Russell. Should the Lakers accept these parts for their point guard?
Why The Los Angeles Lakers Do The Deal
The Lakers won’t want to rush into this deal. Luckily, they couldn’t anyway. Having just extended Russell, he won’t be a trade candidate until closer to the trade deadline.
If the Lakers are having a strong season, they may stand pat. Once again – Russell is a good player. Alternatively, he may not be an ideal fit alongside James. Russell is best in the pick-and-roll. This is a player who thrives with the ball in his hands. Shouldn’t the Lakers want James to possess the rock on average?
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: D’Angelo Russell, Memphis Grizzlies & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
We’ll see how it looks. It’s possible that the Lakers will look better when Gabe Vincent is sharing the floor with James. He’s the type of catch-and-shoot specialist who maximizes the all-time great playmaker. In that event, flipping Russell for a versatile defensive big like Clarke and another elite movement shooter in Kennard might make sense. If they do it, the Lakers could be making headlines late next summer.
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