To improve their chances of making the playoffs, the Grizzlies may consider making a big trade instead of holding onto their top-10 2024 NBA Draft pick.
The Memphis Grizzlies’ season ended in disappointment as they finished 27–55 due to a season plagued by injuries. The Grizzlies are shopping the ninth overall pick in order to obtain a win-now talent ahead of the 2024 NBA Draft.
Memphis struggled to compete the whole season due to injuries to every member of their rotation. Due to a season-ending shoulder tear and a 25-game suspension, Ja Morant only played in nine games. The Grizzlies might contend for the Western Conference once again with Morant and a strong team.
Memphis was the second seed in the West at 51-31 during the 2022–2023 season when Morant was healthy. Morant averaged 26.2 points, 5.9 rebounds, 8.1 assists, and 1.1 steals a game during that campaign. He made 30.7 percent of his three-pointers and 46.6 percent of his field goals.
The youthful, talented guard, 24, has shown that he deserves to be the foundation of any team. Memphis is accompanied by two outstanding players in Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane.
The Grizzlies will need to rebuild their roster around Morant aggressively since they face difficult competition in the Western Conference. Having said that, the organization needs to think about making these three transactions with the ninth overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.
The Grizzlies get De’Andre Hunter.
De’Andre Hunter, the forward for the Atlanta Hawks, is one player the Grizzlies should go after. This season, Hunter made 57 appearances and averaged 15.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.5 assists. He made 38.5 percent of his shots from behind the arc and 45.9 percent from the floor. Considering his age of just 26, he is younger than the majority of the Grizzlies’ team.
The contracts of these two Grizzlies players are tradeable: Konchar will earn $6.1 million, while Luke Kennard has a $14.7 million team option. If there is interest, Atlanta may decide to trade them to another team.
A player who can play power forward or small forward is needed by Memphis. Hunter matches that description, and he might be moved by the Hawks, who should be moving quickly this offseason.
Rumors have surfaced concerning Dejounte Murray and Trae Young. Atlanta is a contender to start a rebuild around Jalen Johnson and their first-round selection because they also own the first overall pick.
It would be very logical to trade Hunter in order to obtain another lottery selection if that were the case. If there is a chance to acquire a good starting forward while he is still available, the Grizzlies should seize it.
Kyle Kuzma is traded to the Grizzlies
Luke Kennard, John Konchar, and the ninth overall pick are acquired by the Wizards.
In the Grizzlies’ hands: Kyle Kuzma
Another forward that the Grizzlies should seek is Kyle Kuzma. As they work to assemble a new roster, the Washington Wizards are shopping the 28-year-old forward.
Another guy that might be successful in the small forward or power forward position is Kuzma. In Washington, Kuzma was the center of attention for the offense, averaging 22.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. He had a field goal percentage of 46.3 and a deep shot percentage of 33.6.
Although Kuzma’s position in Memphis would be different, he has demonstrated the ability to influence winning basketball. Kuzma performed well in a supporting role for the Los Angeles Lakers during their championship run in 2020.
The Grizzlies would benefit from an all-around forward with multiple skill sets. Next to Jackson Jr., who has shifted to the center position despite not being a great rebounder, Kuzma’s tenacity on the boards might be beneficial.
While Kuzma has improved as a defender and facilitator as well, his primary skill is scoring. He would be a good match as their third or fourth scorer, after Jackson Jr., Bane, and maybe Morant. For the Grizzlies, having another shot-creator at the forward position with a well-rounded game could be the missing component.
The Wizards, who are building around their youthful core, would be enticed by another lottery pick. Kennard and Konchar might be moved to other teams, or they might be retained as role players.
The acquisition of a new forward is the Grizzlies’ top priority this offseason. Given how effectively they would complement Morant, Hunter and Kuzma ought to be taken into account.
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