In light of Ja Morant's 25-game suspension, here are three trades the Memphis Grizzlies can make to salvage next season.
It was recently announced that Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant would be suspended for 25 games to start the 2023-2024 season due to conduct detrimental to the league. After a video of Morant brandishing a firearm circulated on Instagram in May, social media entered into a frenzy and the Grizzlies were forced to take action.
Earlier in the 2022-2023 season, Ja received an eight-game suspension for another incident involving an appearance of a gun on social media.
This past season, Morant averaged 26.2 points and helped Memphis secure the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference playoffs. But, if there's a silver lining it's that Ja's absence is not new for the Grizzlies. Morant has never played more than 67 games in a regular season. Last season, without Ja, the Grizzlies finished 11-10.
With Ja sitting out, there is an obvious lack of offensive firepower for the Grizzlies. In response to Morant's suspension, here are three trades the Grizzlies could make.
3. Memphis brings back Grayson Allen and adds Jevon Carter
Tyus Jones is more than capable of filling in for Morant as the starting point guard. But, what do you do when Tyus comes out of the game? Given Ja's absence, their depth chart will be thin at the point guard position. So if Memphis wants to stay relevant, they'll need to add to their backcourt.
Jevon Carter's 2023-24 player option is only worth $2.23 million. The reported expectation is that he could get a lot more money on the open market should Carter opt out. He'll have to decide by June 29th regarding that matter.
With this trade, Memphis simultaneously adds to its offense and defense while Milwaukee gets younger. They were the oldest team in the league last year. The addition of Grayson Allen and Jevon Carter to Memphis' 10th-ranked defense will only strengthen their championship chances.
2. OG Anunoby could be a great get for the Grizzlies
It's arguable that the Grizzlies are one step away from serious championship contenders. With Dillon Brooks likely to relocate elsewhere this summer, an upgrade at the small forward spot is necessary. OG Anunoby could be the elite answer to that problem.
Not to mention, he's been on their radar before.
Though Memphis seems adamant on their whole "under any circumstances" approach towards re-signing Dillon Brooks, the Grizzlies might need to think about signing and trading Dillon Brooks if they want to avoid parting ways with guys like Brandon Clarke, Steven Adams, or Tyus Jones. A sign-and-trade involving Brooks is the Grizzlies' best shot at upgrading their roster.
The tricky part is matching Anunoby's salary. According to hoopshype.com, If the Grizzlies can sign and trade Brooks to a three-year contract worth $36 million, and guarantee him a starting salary of $11.4 million (which is the same amount he made last season), then that would be enough to match Anunoby. Include Ziaire Williams, throw in a 2025 first-round pick, and that only sweetens the deal more.
With this trade, the Grizzlies and Raptors basically swap Second-Team All-NBA defenders. The Raptors acquire an intriguing prospect in Ziaire Williams. Dillon Brooks playing alongside Scottie Barnes and Pascal Sikam is enticing because an agitator might be what they're missing.
With Anunoby, Memphis rounds out its starting unit and also receives a helpful boost on both ends of the floor. Anunoby wouldn't only offer scoring support, he'd also be a big-time wing defender for the Grizzlies.
Anunoby averaged 16.8 points per game this season and had a true shooting percentage of 58.6 percent. With his defensive abilities, he'll be able to pick up the slack while Morant is sidelined to begin the season.
1. Grizzlies get Bagley and take on the Killian Hayes project
Now, if you're a Grizzlies fan, I understand why you might be hesitant. But, hey, take a moment and let this Pistons fan convince you why this is a great trade for both teams.
Marvin Bagley is a big man who can score inside, catch lobs, and lengthen the floor with his shooting. Having a big man like this on a given team, particularly a contender, is practically a requisite in today's NBA.
With Brandon Clarke out until the middle of next season, Memphis needs some paint assurance. Bagley could provide that.
As for the other name-brand addition, Killian Hayes has the tools to be great. Despite some daunting days with Detroit this past season, Hayes notched back-to-back career highs in April, following a 28-point game with a 26-point game.
His 6-foot-5 frame would give the Grizzlies more height and length defensively, especially compared to Tyus Jones' smaller stature of just 6-foot-2. At the end of the day, Memphis adds to their depth and Detroit welcomes Luke Kennard back with open arms.
Ja's suspension forces Grizzlies to re-calibrate
Ja's suspension will force the Grizzlies to look at their depth. Jaren Jackson's large contract gives the Grizzlies limited cap space flexibility, which is the price you pay for having last season's Defensive Player of the Year. Without a doubt, things are going to look different in Memphis next season.
Some things to hang your hat on if you're a Memphis fan: The Grizzlies have the 25th pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. They have a sure thing in Tyus Jones. If you can get Steven Adams back on the court, he'll share the defensive load with Jaren. Dylan Brooks is guaranteed to leave. In short, it will be exciting to see how Memphis manages this opportunity to revamp its roster. It goes without saying, the Grizzlies have quite the offseason ahead of them.