The NBA season just started, and we’re already getting league-altering news. Some of it is good, and some of it is unfortunate. On that note, it seems that Steven Adams of the Memphis Grizzlies is going to miss the entire season due to an injury.
This is horrible news. Adams may not be the flashiest name, but he’s a hard-working player who gives Memphis a lot of value. They’ll miss his screening, defense, and, above all else, his relentless work on the offensive glass.
The Grizzlies are a win-now team, and Adams was supposed to be a part of their success this season. They can’t waste time mourning their loss. The Grizzlies need to replace Adams. Xavier Tillman could be ready for a more significant role – the Grizzlies could get a reserve.
On the other hand, they could get a little more ambitious and break the bank on a more prominent name. How about Nicolas Claxton of the Brooklyn Nets?
NBA Trade Proposal — Memphis Grizzlies Land Nic Claxton
Brooklyn Nets Receive: C Steven Adams, G/F Ziaire Williams, 2025 First-Round Pick (MEM), 2027 First-Round Pick (MEM)
Memphis Grizzlies Receive: C Nic Claxton, F Royce O’Neale
With that said, the Grizzlies have been prominently featured in this offseason’s news cycle. The Adams situation is just the recent bit of bad luck that this organization has had.
At the moment, the Grizzlies have a dark cloud hanging over them. Ja Morant won’t be with the team to begin the season. The superstar point guard will miss almost a fourth of the season due to a suspension.
This is a major blow to the Grizzlies’ playoff aspirations. So, when Adams went down, it was like the universe was throwing salt in the team’s wound.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Nic Claxton, Brooklyn Nets, Memphis Grizzlies Updates
Of course, these are two vastly different problems. In all likelihood, Adams will rehab. If he doesn’t, he’s replaceable – no matter how good he is.
On the other hand, if the Grizzlies can’t get Morant’s behavior in order, they’ll have bigger problems. Should they acquire Claxton in the meantime?
Why The Memphis Grizzlies Do The Deal
The Grizzlies aren’t only landing Claxton here. O’Neale isn’t merely a throw-in. He’s a solid 3-and-D wing who would be a meaningful addition to this team’s rotation. Yet, Claxton is the main draw.
Is he a perfect replacement for Adams? No. Claxton doesn’t have Adams’ strength. He’s not as effective as a screensetter. He won’t give Memphis the same intimidation factor as Adams. Are we sure about this?
Absolutely. After all, Claxton may not be perfectly comparable to Adams – but he’s a better player. Claxton is a uniquely versatile defender who can guard across positions.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Nic Claxton, Brooklyn Nets, Memphis Grizzlies Updates
Pairing him with Jaren Jackson Jr. could give the Grizzlies one of the most potent one-two defensive punches in the NBA. Should the Nets set them up to be in that position?
Why The Brooklyn Nets Do The Deal
The Nets find themselves in an odd position. This team isn’t good enough to contend for the title. They’re playoff hopefuls, but even a trip to the postseason isn’t guaranteed. Yet, the Nets owe their next first-round pick to the Houston Rockets. They can’t afford to regress – right?
We’re not so sure. If the Nets make this deal, they’ll likely send a lottery pick to the Rockets next summer. At the same time, they owe their picks, whether outright or via swap, to the Rockets through to 2027.
The Nets aren’t likely to build through the draft. Instead, they’ll likely swing a blockbuster trade fo a superstar in time. This deal would help them do that. They’re adding two first-round picks to an already impressive collection.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Nic Claxton, Brooklyn Nets, Memphis Grizzlies Updates
Moreover, they avoid paying Claxton before he hits free agency next summer. If they keep him, and let him walk for nothing, it’ll be league-altering next during the next offseason.
