With the new year now finally upon us, speculation ahead of the 2020 NBA Trade Deadline is in full swing. Whether Memphis Grizzlies fans are in consensus about what the team ought to do before the Feb. 6, 2020 cut off or not, anticipation mounts across all fanbases that there will be fireworks.
In this post, just one of a series of 30, we’ll break down the reports that have started to trickle out about Grizzlies players that may or may not be on the move. While there’s no guarantee when it comes to a league as wild as the modern NBA, it doesn’t hurt to brush up on each squad’s roster as the deadline draws near.
Players Unlikely To Be Traded
- Ja Morant
- Jaren Jackson Jr.
- Brandon Clarke
- Dillon Brooks
How many young cores would you take over the Grizzlies’ collection of talent? Ja Morant, who is as untouchable as they come in trade talks, is the clear front-runner for the Rookie of the Year award. Jaren Jackson Jr. has the tools to become an elite big man. Brandon Clarke, who was selected with the No 21 overall pick in the 2019 draft, has been electric and Dillon Brooks has been on fire of late, showcasing his ability as a major scoring threat. With a stable of young, promising contributors, Memphis is set for years to come.
Biggest Name Available On Market
- Andre Iguodala
When the Grizzlies acquired Andre Iguodala, some expected them to buy out the veteran but Memphis’ front office was clear that they wanted an asset in exchange for the former Finals MVP. The team and Iguodala came to an agreement that he would train away from the team, staying active in preparation of a trade. Iguodala appears antsy to return to the court and a trade before Feb. 6 appears likely; the only question is which contender brings him (and his $17.2M salary) on board.
Logical Trade Pieces
- Jae Crowder
While he hasn’t been consistent this season, Jae Crowder could help a contender solidify the back end of their rotation. He’s making $7.8M this season and will be a free agent after, so prying him from Memphis shouldn’t be difficult. Knee soreness has slowed him down lately, however.
Trades Are Possible
- Jonas Valanciunas
- Solomon Hill
- Tyus Jones
- Kyle Anderson
- Josh Jackson
- Marko Guduric
- Grayson Allen
- Bruno Caboclo
- De’Anthony Melton
In an unlikely event, Jonas Valanciunas re-signed with the Grizzlies this past summer. He’s proven to be a nice veteran contributor for this young team, leading the team in win shares. He’s under contract through the 2021-22 season. 🏀 Solomon Hill is on an expiring deal worth $12.8M. If Memphis is willing to take on future salary, it’s easy to envision Hill elsewhere at the deadline. 🏀 Tyus Jones came to the Grizzlies via the Mid-Level Exception. He filled in nicely when Morant was injured and missed time earlier this season. 🏀 Kyle Anderson has been a nice complementary piece to this Grizzlies team. No player on the team has a lower usage percentage than Anderson’s 13.7. 🏀 Josh Jackson has seen all of his playing time this season in the G League, though he was recently recalled. Memphis hopes that they can revitalize the former No. 4 overall pick. 🏀 Efficiency has been a major issue for Marko Guduric during his first season in the league. The 24-year-old Serbian-native is making just 27.7% of his looks from beyond the arc. 🏀 Grayson Allen came to the team in the Mike Conley deal and has worked through bumps and bruises during his sophomore campaign. He appeared in 30 of the team’s 46 games before being ruled out indefinitely. 🏀 Bruno Caboclo was once considered two years away from being two years away. In year six of his NBA career, he was a solid contributor for Memphis before a bone bruise in his knee sidelined him. 🏀 De’Anthony Melton came over in the Josh Jackson trade and ranks second on the team in steals (45) despite playing just 627 minutes (10th-most of the team). If he ever gets to the point where he’s earning starter minutes, he has the potential to lead the league in the category.
