‘It is just Confirmed’ The Grizzlies are considering a handful of viable upgrade options

5 Grizzlies trade targets to watch ahead of 2025 deadline

The Memphis Grizzlies are making impressive strides on the court, enjoying Ja Morant’s nightly highlights as they approach the holiday season. However, upgrading their roster remains a priority for the front office. There’s no room for complacency in this competitive Western Conference. Checking for rotational upgrades at various price points is part of EVP Zach Kleiman’s responsibilities. While trading for players like Brandon Ingram, Jimmy Butler, or Cam Johnson could be feasible, these moves come with major risks. Alternatively, holding onto assets and targeting lower-risk, high-reward players like Deni Avdija or Larry Nance Jr. is also a possibility.

With Marcus Smart ( $20million),BrandonClarke($ 12.5 million), Luke Kennard ( $9.2million),JohnKonchar($ 6.3 million), and Jake LaRavia ( $3.3million)addingupto$ 51.3 million in expendable salary, the Grizzlies have options. Keeping Smart seems wise, especially given the team’s recent rise in the standings with a healthy roster. Nonetheless, the Grizzlies are poised to explore talent across all levels in the current trade market.

Grizzlies going big-name hunting

Jimmy Butler ( $48.7million)andBrandonIngram($ 36 million) are the All-Star players most likely to be traded, according to NBA insiders. However, acquiring either Ingram or Butler would likely involve including Marcus Smart, a complicated multi-team trade, or both players. Additionally, the Pelicans are reportedly receiving inquiries about CJ McCollum and Herb Jones, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.

At 33 years old, McCollum could be a tough sell compared to Ingram’s market value. The Pelicans might need to include an extra asset to facilitate a trade involving McCollum, and Memphis may not show interest. On the other hand, Jones would be an ideal fit for the Grizzlies when facing players like Luka Doncic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the playoffs. The challenge lies in the high asking price for Jones, which includes decent talent, an expiring contract, and multiple draft picks. A potential offer could start with Clarke and GG Jackson along with a first-round pick in exchange for Jones and a minimal contract like Jeremiah Robinson-Earl.

Other teams, eager to avoid the luxury tax, may also be circling New Orleans and could outbid Memphis as the trade deadline approaches. For instance, the Golden State Warriors are under pressure to build around Stephen Curry quickly, while the Los Angeles Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks are also eyeing championship contention. Other teams may convince themselves that they can make a legitimate Finals run in the coming weeks.

Ultimately, it only takes one determined team, potentially influenced by a future Hall of Famer, to outbid Memphis. However, the Grizzlies do have 14 draft picks at their disposal, making negotiations with a rebuilding team more advantageous than with another championship contender.

Need to check the Nets

Negotiating a deal with the eighth-seeded Brooklyn Nets (10-14) depends on how their front office plans to navigate the remainder of the season. The organization might see value in getting meaningful playoff experience under new head coach Jordi Fernandez. There’s a case to be made for allowing Cam Thomas and Nic Claxton to develop some chemistry before potentially exiting the postseason before the second round.

The possibility of hosting a Play-In Tournament elimination game is real in this year’s Eastern Conference. However, the Nets are looking to maintain or improve their lottery odds. Trading 28-year-old Cameron Johnson for Brandon Clarke, Luke Kennard, two future first-round picks, and a pick swap would help achieve that objective.

This move would allow the Nets to send Kennard’s shooting to a playoff team, while Clarke would provide similar production at half the cost. Additionally, it’s worth noting that Memphis traded away two first-round picks in the Marcus Smart deal, which may keep Smart out of any trade involving Johnson unless the Grizzlies choose to hold onto future draft picks.

Keeping tabs on consolidation deals

The Grizzlies are in a strong position right now, and the conversation about them as contenders in the Western Conference is becoming more defined. The biggest challenges to Memphis come from Luka Doncic’s Dallas Mavericks and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Oklahoma City Thunder, while the rest of the teams are trying to catch up. As a result, a minor consolidation trade might be more appealing than a major blockbuster deal.

Deni Avdija and Larry Nance Jr. could easily fill the minutes left vacant by Kennard, Konchar, or LaRavia. Avdija, at just 23 years old, is signed for four years with a declining salary cap hit, while Nance Jr. is on an expiring contract that could potentially be renewed at a bargain price. Portland is in need of assets for a rebuild, and Atlanta requires shooting depth more than a small-ball center.

While Memphis has sufficient outside shooting talent, they could benefit from Nance Jr.’s versatility off the bench now that the roster is relatively healthy. How the Grizzlies manage their strategy over the next three months will significantly impact what they can achieve in the next three years. There are numerous options available, but only a few truly align with their current championship window.