Around the NBA, some teams are disappointed with the 2023-24 season to date. There are varying reasons for that disappointment. Some of those reasons are outside of a team’s control.
For example, the Memphis Grizzlies have been victims of circumstance. Ja Morant’s suspension was always going to impact this team.
Still, Steven Adams’ injury was a blow. As a result, the Grizzlies have been one of the worst teams in the NBA. By contrast, the Toronto Raptors haven’t had especially bad luck.
They’ve just been mediocre. Luckily for them, they’ve got the means to control their circumstances by making some trades.
Could they send Jakob Poeltl to the Grizzlies?
NBA Trade Proposal: Memphis Grizzlies Land Toronto Raptors’ Jakob Poeltl
Toronto Raptors Receive: C Steven Adams, F/C Brandon Clarke, 2026 First Round Pick (Lottery Protected – MEM)
Memphis Grizzlies Receive: C Jakob Poeltl
Nobody likes to blame luck. At the same time, at times, luck is an undeniable factor. Luck plays into any competition, and the NBA is no exception.
Arguably, the Grizzlies haven’t had especially bad luck at all. One could make the case that they could have anticipated trouble from Morant.
Perhaps Memphis should have intervened more aggressively. Otherwise, we’re talking about an injury to a role player. Still, it’s worth noting that Memphis’ on-court performance in 2023-24 does not reflect who they are.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jakob Poeltl, Toronto Raptors, Memphis Grizzlies Updates
At full strength, this is a good team. By contrast, the Raptors have virtually been at full strength. Is it time for them to make rebuilding moves?
Why The Toronto Raptors Do The Deal
At this point, the Raptors may be regretting trading for Poeltl in the first place. This was a somewhat puzzling move at last year’s deadline. Toronto were mediocre then – why were they giving up a protected pick for a win-now player?
Here, they’re rectifying that decision. Unfortunately, the pick that they’re receiving here is more heavily protected than the one they gave up to acquire Poeltl.
The league’s market has changed. Still, they’re receiving an asset. They’re also receiving Clarke. He’s younger than Poeltl and could be an interesting piece for this team to build with moving forward.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jakob Poeltl, Toronto Raptors, Memphis Grizzlies Updates
Throw in Adams’ expiring deal, and this should be enough for the Raptors to move on from Poeltl. Should the Grizzlies acquire him?
Why The Memphis Grizzlies Do the Deal
These are not the real Grizzlies. Soon, we’ll get a peak at this team’s true potential. Ja Morant is slated to return soon. Once he does, the Grizzlies will be a much more dangerous group.
With that said, they’ll still miss Adams. Poeltl should be a suitable replacement. He’s a similar low-usage screen setter on offense, and he’s a better passer. Defensively, Poeltl is likely an upgrade as well.
He’s not a perfect replacement. Adams is an elite offensive rebounder – Poeltl can’t make up his production in that regard.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jakob Poeltl, Toronto Raptors, Memphis Grizzlies Updates
Still, the point here is to land a starting caliber big in Adams’ absence. In doing so, Memphis may be able to improve its luck.
