This is an important season for the Memphis Grizzlies.
A return to form in terms of a high seed in the Western Conference matters, as does a lengthy playoff run. This team is not as young as it once was. As core players (Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., Desmond Bane) enter their primes, the time to contend is rapidly approaching.
That is why any other name should be fair game when upgrading this roster is discussed.
Because of the organization’s good work in scouting and development, they have depth that is even better than expected. Six players — Vince Williams Jr., GG Jackson, Zach Edey, Jaylen Wells, Jay Huff, and Scotty Pippen Jr. — are under long-term, team-friendly contracts. Combine those six with the core of Morant/Bane/Jackson Jr., and there is room to operate in terms of improving the rotation and adding a starting-caliber star.
That is good news— because the fits are imperfect beyond those nine names. Marcus Smart is off to a cold start. His undersized nature and inability to be a primary facilitator for extended periods limits his value to the Grizzlies. While Brandon Clarke flashes defensive versatility and offensive efficiency that makes him a Memphis X-Factor, he too seems limited compared to where he once was. Santi Aldama has been inconsistent nine games into the campaign, Jake LaRavia fits much of the same description, and both are approaching forms of free agency.
Ditto Luke Kennard, who signed a one-year, roughly $9 million contract this past summer.
And John Konchar is a favorite of the coaching staff, but he is not a factor scoring the ball. Konchar is a good malleable end-of-bench piece – nothing more.
So say Memphis does indeed subscribe to the “new core” of Morant/Bane/Jackson Jr./Williams Jr./GG Jackson/Pippen Jr./Wells/Huff/Edey. That’s nine players. Could the Grizzlies secure a high-caliber forward or wing to complete the roster for a playoff push?
It’s important to point out we haven’t had much of a sample size with the whole team healthy and active together on the floor. No trades are imminent, or may even be needed. It would also be the antithesis of what the organization has done previously. But the writing may be on the wall— if Memphis wants to contend, there may need to be a move. Maybe even a big one.
Here are three ideas for trade targets the Grizzlies could consider if/when the time comes as the trade deadline approaches this winter.
Brandon Ingram, Wing, New Orleans Pelicans
The Trade: Memphis sends Marcus Smart, Brandon Clarke, 2028 first-round pick (top-8 protected, becomes unprotected in 2029 if it does not convert) for Ingram
Why would the Pelicans aid a rival? They have wanted to move off of the expiring Brandon Ingram deal since this summer. Here at least they get a long-term trade asset in the form of a pick if their season stays below expectations.
For the Grizzlies, they get a bit of a bargain for a player that raises their ceiling immediately. The 6-foot-8, 190-pound Ingram is a legitimate wing — not a tweener like Smart — and provides offensive pop for a Memphis halfcourt offense still in need of such production. In a small sample size to start this campaign Ingram is shooting 36% from beyond the arc as he averages 24.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game.
That level of production may be worth paying for. The Grizzlies have talked about being willing to be a luxury tax team in the past. There’s no denying this type of trade — which would have to come with an eventual extension — would test that. For this season there’d likely be a subsequent cost-cutting deal. Something like John Konchar and a couple of second-rounders for a cheaper end-of-bench option, for example. That would help to avoid the tax.
But it would be unavoidable in 2025-2026. The dreaded second apron and its roster-building limitations would not be far behind. For that reason, this name is unlikely to become a member of the Grizzlies. But Ingram is probably the best “realistic” option on the market.
Kyle Kuzma, Wing, Washington Wizards
The Trade: Memphis sends Marcus Smart, John Konchar, and their 2025 1st round pick (top-4 protected, converts to two 2nd round picks in 2026/2027 if not conveyed) to Washington for Kuzma and Patrick Baldwin Jr.
This deal is more realistic than the previously mentioned one because it would keep Memphis out of the luxury tax. It also would net Washington a likely first-round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. They currently do not have one of those. Marcus Smart would come in and be another veteran presence for the team, showing a young Wizards group how to be a professional.
For the Grizzlies, they net another big combo forward who can, in theory, play both the three and the four. He also can help score in the half-court. But there’s a catch— he has done less of that for Washington than the aforementioned Ingram has done for the Pelicans. The Wizards use Kuzma as a traditional power forward and center more. If that is where he is best situated this deal doesn’t raise the ceiling enough for the Grizzlies.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Big, Milwaukee Bucks
The trade: Memphis sends Jaren Jackson Jr., Marcus Smart, GG Jackson, and three future 1st round picks to Milwaukee for Giannis.
Talk about moving the needle.
OK, above it does say that Jaren is a part of the Grizzlies’ “core”. But there’s a growing buzz surrounding a possible Giannis trade. If Milwaukee’s season continues to sputter in the months ahead, such a move has to be explored. Of course, Jaren is a tremendous talent. A former Defensive Player of the Year, and former All-Star, he is four years younger than Antetokounmpo. He’s in line for an extension that will be cheaper than the contract that Giannis is currently under. And Jaren provides better three-point shooting for a roster in desperate need of it.
So why make this deal?
For Milwaukee, they get a top-50 NBA player, a top-10 young NBA player, and a veteran presence in addition to draft capital to start a rebuild.
Why would Memphis do it?
Because Ja Morant, a top-15 player in the NBA, becomes your second-best player instead of your best. Desmond Bane’s scoring significance and ability to create off the dribble become more spotlighted. And Giannis instantly solves several issues — rebounding, most glaringly — upon his arrival. A Morant/Bane/Williams Jr./Antetokounmpo/Edey lineup has the potential to be among the most dominant starting fives in the entire league. And you maintain depth with Pippen Jr./Kennard/Wells/Aldama/Clarke/Huff as your key rotation pieces behind them.
This, and the other two deals listed here, are unlikely to occur. But the Grizzlies can swing big if they see fit. And from combo forwards to a top-5 player in the NBA, Memphis can take larger swings than most squads in the Association.
And these upgrades could make the difference between a postseason return, and a deep run to the Western Conference Finals.
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