Some NBA teams can’t seem to catch a break. Lately, the Memphis Grizzlies have been one of those teams. It seems like no matter what happens, this team runs into bad luck.
We already knew they’d start the season with Ja Morant serving a suspension. That’s got the potential to break this team’s playoff odds this year. There’s no understating what it means for the Grizzlies to lose the engine of their offense.
Now, they’ve lost Steven Adams as well. That’s unfortunate. The Grizzlies don’t have time to wallow in their misfortune. This team has the firepower to contend at full strength. With that said, they could use a big wing defender for when they’re back together.
How about Dorian Finney-Smith of the Brooklyn Nets?
NBA Trade Proposal — Memphis Grizzlies Land Dorian Finney-Smith
Brooklyn Nets Receive: F/C Brandon Clarke
Memphis Grizzlies Receive: F Dorian Finney-Smith
Have the Nets had bad luck in recent years? That depends on how you define “luck.” This team has certainly had its share of misfortune. Did the Nets bring it upon themselves?
Well, you can’t blame them for trying. The Nets had Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving on their roster simultaneously. That’s what an NBA team is supposed to do: assemble the most talent that they can.
On the other hand, the fallout was predictable. This group of egos proved to be unmanageable. The Nets fell apart as quickly as they came together.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Dorian Finney-Smith, Brooklyn Nets, Memphis Grizzlies Updates
Still, the Nets have a solid roster remaining. They’ve got a lot of assets, too. This team could certainly be in worse shape. Does adding Clarke put them in a better position?
Why The Brooklyn Nets Do The Deal
Take a look at this Nets roster. Mikal Bridges. Cameron Johnson. Royce O’Neale. Finney-Smith. That is a lot of 3-and-D wings. The Nets’ rotation is crowded in that area. In all likelihood, they’ll have to move someone eventually.
On the other hand, they don’t have a big man who spaces the floor. Granted, Clarke isn’t the most reliable shooter, but he’s at least capable.
Moreover, he’s a versatile defender who would allow the Nets to maintain a switch-heavy scheme when Nic Claxton is resting. The duo could play together for stretches if need be, as well.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Dorian Finney-Smith, Brooklyn Nets, Memphis Grizzlies Updates
So, for the Nets, this is about roster diversification. They’re landing a player at a position of need at the expense of a player they don’t need. That seems sensible enough. Do the Grizzlies need Clarke?
Why The Memphis Grizzlies Do The Deal
We know what you’re thinking. The Grizzlies just lost Adams. Now, they’re trading another big man. Why would they do that? Don’t they need Clarke now more than ever?
Perhaps. On the other hand, Xavier Tillman has other ideas. He was dazzling in the Grizzlies’ season opener. It feels like Tillman has secured the starting spot in Adams’ absence, and Santi Almeda is a viable option as well.
The Grizzlies may have had so much depth at the five before Adams’ injury that they can still spare another big. Meanwhile, they’re lacking in defensive wings.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Dorian Finney-Smith, Brooklyn Nets, Memphis Grizzlies Updates
This deal is about roster balance for the Grizzlies as well. Finney-Smith fills a need for this team. Once Morant returns, he should make them more dangerous – with a little luck, of course.
