Memphis Grizzlies trade David Roddy to the Phoenix Suns

It seemed logical that, even after already completing multiple deals over the past several days, the Grizzlies could be active once again once deadline day actually arrived.

And that they were, with a move that certainly appears logical in a general sense though the player involved may be a bit surprising:

Reports over the past few days had identified Ziaire Williams and Jake Laravia as players on the Grizzlies roster that other teams were monitoring. In a general sense, that seemed to suggest the Grizzlies could be looking to breakup the logjam of young wings that have each struggled when on the court this season. However, it was David Roddy who was traded, a bit of a surprise considered the fact he has been the most active and somewhat consistent option of the trio. However, it seems the Grizzlies valued a potential free roster spot to worth with next year over Roddy.

On the season, Roddy has averaged 8.4 ppg, 4.2 apg, and 1.6 assists. Yes, the fact that Roddy has been active for every game this season and has filled both a starting and reserve role has some value. He also has provided stretches of positive play at times. But the overall quality of his play has progressed very little compared to his rookie year, as many of his shooting and production metrics this year are at very similar levels. While Roddy has shown flashes, it appears the Grizzlies did not feel he would be a part of their future, so they instead traded him for future roster flexibility.

In exchange, the Grizzlies received Yuta Watanabe, Chimezie Metu, and a future pick swap. Watanabe is likely the more intriguing of the two players, as this will be his second time in Memphis. Just last year, Watanabe was one of the best shooting reserves in the league, though he has seen his numbers regress this season. On the year, he is averaging 3.6 points and 1.6 rebound while shooting 32% from 3. His past numbers (44% from three last year) suggest Watanabe could provide relevant shooting depth moving forward if he can return to form. He also has a $2.7M player option for next season. That could make him a logical end of the roster player for Memphis or one they could move on from if they wanted to free up a roster spot.

Metu is averaging 5 points and 3 rebounds per game this year, but has shown some intriguing offensive ability as a reserve in the past. Since he is an expiring contract, he may not be in the future plans for the Grizzlies but could provide frontcourt depth in the short-term. As for the pick swap, details remain on when and what type of swap the Grizzlies acquired, but with the players involved, logic may suggest it will be in a future second round.

As many have mentioned, David Roddy has been a great part of the Grizzlies franchise since he arrived. Wish him the best of luck pursuing a title with the Suns.