It’s been a strange NBA season for the Memphis Grizzlies. They were starting the year with Ja Morant being injured put this team behind their competition. Their fate appeared to be sealed when Steven Adams went down with an injury.
It’s easy to forget how talented this team is. Morant is a perennial MVP candidate. Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane are outstanding co-stars. Meanwhile, even role players like Marcus Smart are extremely helpful.
There’s a commonality between most of those players. Outside of Bane, none of them are solid shooters. If the Grizzlies traded for a shooter, they might be able to get back to title contention.
Could they acquire Buddy Hield of the Indiana Pacers?
NBA Trade Proposal: Memphis Grizzlies Land Indiana Pacers’ Buddy Hield
Indiana Pacers Receive: C Steven Adams, 2026 Second-Round Pick (LAC via MEM), 2030 Second-Round Pick (MEM)
Memphis Grizzlies Receive: G/F Buddy Hield
It’s also been a bit of a strange year for the Pacers. This team has the best Offensive Rating in NBA history. Yet, they’re hovering around .500 anyway. How is that possible?
The defense is abysmal. That’s all there is to it. The Pacers can’t stop anybody. With a complete absence of defensive wings, this team has managed to be mediocre despite fielding a historic offensive attack.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Buddy Hield, Indiana Pacers, Memphis Grizzlies Updates
That’s fine. Tyrese Haliburton is young. The Pacers have the assets to improve. All told, it’s been a successful season for the Pacers.
Would they throw that success away by trading Hield?
Why The Indiana Pacers Do The Deal
It’s quite possible. Hield’s elite movement shooting is a big part of what the Pacers do. Indiana’s offense would almost certainly slip if they lost him.
On the other hand, they’re likely to lose him anyway. Hield is on an expiring contract. It’s been rumored that he and the Pacers don’t see eye-to-eye on his next deal. Moving Hield might be the right move whether or not it hurts them in 2023-24.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Buddy Hield, Indiana Pacers, Memphis Grizzlies Updates
They won’t get much. Hield’s expiring contract is going to limit his value. So, a pair of second-round picks may suffice for Indiana.
Should Memphis give picks up for Hield?
Why The Memphis Grizzlies Do The Deal
The Pacers seem to be hesitant to pay Hield. Should the Grizzlies feel the same? If so, why would they acquire Hield? His contract expires this summer no matter what team he’s on.
Sure. That said, we’re talking about a pair of second-round picks here. We’re also talking about another expiring deal in Adams. The Grizzlies are paying a minimal price to bring in one of the best shooters in the NBA here.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Buddy Hield, Indiana Pacers, Memphis Grizzlies Updates
This organization still has time to turn this season around. The Grizzlies aren’t so far behind in the standings that adding an elite shooter can’t get them back on track. Who knows? They could turn this strange season into a good year.
