The 2023-24 NBA season has not been kind to the Memphis Grizzlies. Sure, the team has excuses. Ja Morant’s suspension has been even more trying than expected. Without their playmaker, the Grizzlies are floundering.
Unfortunately, that’s not the only difficulty they’ve encountered this season. The Grizzlies have also been without Steven Adams. He’s been an important part of this team for some time. The Grizzlies have scrambled to cover for Adams.
Xavier Tillman has shown some promise as a starter, but he’s been inconsistent. All told, he’s likely a bit undersized to be a full-time starting five.
The Grizzlies aren’t without hope. Morant will return this year. On the other hand, Adams will not. So, the Grizzlies could look to trade for his replacement.
Could they target Myles Turner of the Indiana Pacers?
NBA Trade Proposal: Memphis Grizzlies Land Indiana Pacers’ Myles Turner
Indiana Pacers Receive: F/C Brandon Clarke, G/F Ziaire Williams, 2026 First-Round Pick (MEM)
Memphis Grizzlies Receive: C Myles Turner
Life in the NBA can be cruel. Things can change very quickly. It wasn’t long ago that the Grizzlies were the NBA’s darlings. They were seen as a model for quickly rebuilding an organization.
Remember Marc Gasol and Mike Conley? If not, you must be one of our younger readers. Conley is still in the NBA. It wasn’t long ago that the Grizzlies were built around that duo.
They quickly pivoted to a rebuild and landed Jaren Jackson Jr. Once they added Morant, it was official – the Grizzlies have the brightest future in the NBA. Now, things look a little bit bleaker.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Myles Turner, Indiana Pacers, Memphis Grizzlies Updates
Morant has evident personal issues that could continue to impact his ability to get on the floor. The Grizzlies tried to replace Dillon Brooks with Marcus Smart, but so far, that hasn’t worked out so well.
Should Memphis really be investing in win-now talent?
Why The Memphis Grizzlies Do The Deal
Why not? These Grizzlies aren’t really the Grizzlies. When Morant returns, his suspension will have been served. As long as he can keep his composure off the floor, the Grizzlies will have their star point guard back.
Does Turner compliment him? He complements him like a glove complements a hand. Turner’s ability to space the floor will open up driving lanes for Morant in a way he’s never experienced. Yet, that’s not even the most tantalizing pairing on this roster.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Myles Turner, Indiana Pacers, Memphis Grizzlies Updates
Imagine trying to score on Turner and Jackson Jr. in tandem. The Grizzlies would have unmatched length and defensive instincts between this duo.
Should the Pacers help them put it together?
Why The Indiana Pacers Do The Deal
By contrast, it’s been a solid season for the Pacers. They’re in the playoff hunt. With that in mind, they don’t have to move Turner at all. If Indiana would rather add onto their core than disassemble it, that would be entirely understandable.
Yet, we can justify this decision as well. The Pacers are not title contenders. Some would suggest that by virtue of that fact, they need to turn their attention to the future. If this front office agrees, they’ll like this deal.
For starters, it nets them an unprotected first-round pick from a team that has proven to be combustible. Moreover, Williams is an intriguing talent as well. He’s starting to flash some potential this year.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Myles Turner, Indiana Pacers, Memphis Grizzlies Updates
The Pacers could use a talented young wing – even it makes the rest of their season a little more difficult once they land him.
