Making trades in the NBA isn’t always easy. You’ve got to give something up to get something back. Sometimes, that means temporarily living without someone filling an important role.
With that in mind, making a trade can be easier when the season is lost. Look at the Memphis Grizzlies. They didn’t think twice about trading Steven Adams to the Houston Rockets this year. Their season was lost anyway – the Grizzlies wisely flipped the veteran for assets.
This summer, Memphis will try to rebuild its roster. They’ll be ready to compete again in 2024-25. They may need to replace Adams. Could they acquire Deandre Ayton of the Portland Trail Blazers?
NBA Trade Proposal
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: G/F Luke Kennard, F/C Brandon Clarke, 2025 First-Round Pick (Top 5 Protected – MEM)
Memphis Grizzlies Receive: C Deandre Ayton
Trades can be difficult for several reasons. Sure, basketball considerations come first. Still, some trades are just emotionally difficult. Just ask the Portland Trail Blazers.
This summer, they sent Damian Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks. It couldn’t have been easy. Lillard is arguably the best player in Trail Blazers history.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Deandre Ayton, Portland Trail Blazers, Memphis Grizzlies Updates
At the same time – the NBA is a business. It had to be done. The Blazers had been floundering for some time. Now, they can properly rebuild. Should trading Ayon be their next move?
Why The Portland Trail Blazers Do The Deal
Ayton was part of the return for Lillard. The Trail Blazers had hoped his lackadaisical play in Phoenix wouldn’t carry over. Unfortunately, a change of scenery hasn’t seemed to help the underperforming big man.
Perhaps it’s time to move on. The Blazers could be understandably concerned about handing the center spot over to Robert Williams III on a full-time basis. He’s injury-prone. At the same time, does that matter for this rebuilding squad?
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Deandre Ayton, Portland Trail Blazers, Memphis Grizzlies Updates
The Blazers shouldn’t worry about roster construction. They should focus on collecting assets. Here, they’re picking up a lightly protected first-round pick. Should the Grizzlies give that pick up?
Why The Memphis Grizzlies Do The Deal
If you’re a Grizzlies fan, you have a few concerns here. Let’s start with an obvious one – why should Memphis want him if Ayton’s play has been lackluster?
Well, he still serves a functional purpose for this team. Ayton is a great screen setter, can be a dominant rebounder, and has a soft touch when scoring inside.
The Grizzlies could have a dominant defense with him in drop coverage and Jaren Jackson Jr. roaming. Ayton should be a good pick-and-roll partner for Ja Morant as well.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Deandre Ayton, Portland Trail Blazers, Memphis Grizzlies Updates
You may also be wondering how they’ll replace Luke Kennard’s shooting. Fair. The Grizzlies would have to seek his replacement in free agency. Sometimes, that’s just the nature of an NBA trade.
