Trade Deadline : Five realistic targets for the Memphis Grizzlies and the deals that would get the job done.

The trade deadline is officially a little over three weeks away, and the Memphis Grizzlies are lacking over half of their rotation. A day that was supposed to be used to make minor tweaks is now possibly going to be the day that helps them make it to the end of the season. I have curated five deals that can help the Memphis Grizzlies survive this season while also benefiting them next season and moving forward. Keep in mind that these deals are realistic and attainable.

Bones Hyland and Mason Plumlee hit Beale Street.

Memphis Grizzlies receive: Bones Hyland and Mason Plumlee.

Los Angeles Clippers receive: John Konchar, Ziaire Williams, and an unprotected 2030 second-round pick.

The Memphis Grizzlies are desperately lacking depth in the point guard and center positions after losing Ja Morant, Marcus Smart, Derrick Rose, and Steven Adams for delayed time and even the season. The Memphis Grizzlies are currently in a young small-forward log jam with four guys under the age of 23 supplying the position: Jake LaRavia, Ziaire Williams, Vince Williams Jr., and David Roddy.

The Clippers are currently three deep at the center position after acquiring Daniel Thies after his buyout with the Indiana Pacers earlier this season. They are also rocking with a consistent guard rotation that isn’t necessarily too kind to young guard Bones Hyland.

Why would the Clippers and Grizzlies say yes? As stated prior, the Grizzlies and Clippers are both loaded at certain positions, so moving off of talent in those areas wouldn’t be a make-or-break for either squad.

The Clippers are also in contention this year, so an acquisition of John Konchar makes plenty of sense for them. An experienced bench guard who can rebound, shoot open jumpers, and make hustle plays is a player that any contender would like. Ziaire Williams would be a nice athletic forward to back up Kawhi Leonard in the rotation and contribute some nice athletic plays and floor spacing with the Clippers second unit, which would supply a huge boost of energy when needed.

The Grizzlies would get a 7’0 center in Plumlee and could remove the burden from 6’7 Xavier Tillman Sr. (who has done a great job, by the way) while also adding a young, fast point guard in Bones Hyland, who is currently barely able to crack minutes for the Los Angeles Clippers at the moment as he has nearly fallen out of the rotation. Hyland would be a great piece with the ability to start the remainder of the season and potentially have a valuable bench role for the Memphis Grizzlies next season, moving forward behind superstar guard Ja Morant.

Why would the Clippers and Grizzlies say no?

The Clippers simply may want to stay put. They’ve already made a big deal this year with James Harden, and now they’re in a good spot, so they may be hesitant to make moves. Even if they did, they may want to steer clear of a player who is still young, developing, and shows glimpses of inconsistency with Ziaire Williams.

Memphis may not want to gamble with Highland after his dramatic Denver separation and lack of playing time with the Clippers, but it might be the right idea with the wrong guy. I do love the idea of “Highland in Memphis,” though. Mason Plumlee is also on a one-year deal, so trading for someone who may have zero intentions of re-singing could also prevent Memphis from going for a deal like this.

Andre Drummond and Alex Caruso blow over from the Windy City.

Memphis Grizzlies receive : Andre Drummond and Alex Caruso.

Chicago Bulls receive : John Konchar, Ziaire Williams, Xavier Tillman Sr., and an unprotected 2026 first-round pick.

So, this is nearly the same trade with a slight change of adding a first-round pick and subbing out the extra second-round pick for Xavier Tillman Sr. This trade is a little more focused on next season considering the fact that trading Tillman would result in the Grizzlies still being shorthanded at the five spot until Steven Adams returns next season, which would make Drummond an insanely valuable backup if he were to decide to re-sign. Also, adding Caruso impacts this team tremendously by adding another secondary ball handler who can also play wonderful defense off the bench and alongside Marcus Smart once he returns. Can you imagine a Caruso, Smart, Vince Williams, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Steven Adams defensive lineup? Clamp city.

The Bulls are on the verge of blowing it up, so getting younger with Ziaire Williams gives them a player they can add to their young core. They’d retain another backup center for Vucevic in Tillman Sr. (granted that he isn’t moved as well) and another defensive guard to fill the shoes of Caruso. Typically, I think it’d take more to get the Bulls to budge on a deal like this, but due to them being in sell mode and seeing a first-round pick beaming on top of this deal, I think they have a good chance of biting on it.

Why do Chicago and Memphis say yes? Chicago is finally selling and appears to be giving up on a team that once looked like it had great potential when it was originally formed. The Bulls are officially entering a new era in their franchise, and going cheaper, gathering picks, and getting younger is what is going to be most important to them going forward, so a deal like this just works for them. Ziaire is young and in a very demanding situation with four other guys his age in the same position fighting for minutes, Konchar is unsteady in the rotation and most nights being offered minimal minutes, and Xavier Tillman Sr. could capitalize on a new system that will offer him more opportunities to grow and expand. All these guys could benefit Chicago by entering a rebuild, and Chicago could benefit them in their careers moving forward.

Memphis would free up a roster spot, cut down on their young small-forward depth, add another ball-handling defensive guard in Caruso, and pick up a rebounding monster in Andre Drummond, who is currently going through a somewhat unexplainable career resurgence. This would benefit the Grizzlies now, as they would have a starting-level point guard and center, and by the time next season rolls around, they could have a starting-level point guard and center off the bench. On the off chance that Drummond decided to walk in free-agency, you would still free up cap space and small-forward depth going into the summer. Caruso and Drummond could be very, very valuable pickups for this organization.

Why do Chicago and Memphis say no? For Chicago, desperation may not be as severe as it seems. They could easily still have their prices high and may not be willing to give up those two guys in a deal like this, even with a first-round pick as a bow on top. Caruso and Drummond could definitely stir and demand much more in the trade market within the coming weeks.

For Memphis, this may not be a deal the find worthy to attach a first-round pick to. They could also have hesitancy moving players for Drummond incase he was unclear about re-signing, unless he made it clear he was interested being here longterm. I can’t think of many reasons why Memphis would not at least entertain the thought of this besides that.

Tyus Jones comes home, mane.

Memphis Grizzlies receive : Tyus Jones and an unprotected 2026 second-round pick via Phoenix.

Washington Wizards receive : Luke Kennard and Jake LaRavia.

If I were to reveal this trade to a group of Grizzlies fans in person and start it by saying, “We would trade Luke Kennard,” I would be mercilessly booed until I got out the “for Tyus Jones” part, to which I would be met with a sea of cheers and possibly a key to the city of Memphis. Now, I know what a lot of people are thinking or rolling their eyes at, and it’s the idea of parting ways with Luke Kennard. Kennard is on an expiring deal next season, and the likelihood of him re-signing isn’t a formality. He has flourished in his time here, but he is the epitome of what any contending team looks for: the lone bench three-point shooter who can give you a quick spark or run off of the bench with insane accuracy, because who wouldn’t want that? He is also due nearly $15 million per year for the rest of this season as well as next season, which is heavy on the books for a guy who lacks versatility and only offers you one thing, even if he is abnormally good at it. Tyus Jones is our favorite cousin who has been at grandma’s all summer, or winter, I guess, and now he’s finally coming home (or at least that’s what we will pretend happened). We are bone dry at the point guard spot for the rest of this season, and going into next season, we will have the perfect backup point guard behind Ja Morant. We know this because we saw it for three years. Tyus knows the team, knows the system, and knows the players—plus, at this point, this place is still home for him. Hell, he probably still owns an actual home here. Plus, you free an additional roster spot with LaRavia being able to figure himself out on a team with no expectations or pressure.

Why do Washington and Memphis say yes? : Washington is 6-31, has vocally said Tyus Jones is on the trading block, and is obviously ditching whatever attempt this was as a rebuild. They’d get a young guy to work on and develop in LaRavia and get Luke Kennard to use as ammunition to fire off as a trade piece with a contender to gain picks or young assets. Then they still have Delon Wright who can be their starting point guard until seasons end, which is ironic because Tyus Jones was signed to Memphis as a Delon Wright replacement back in 2019.

Memphis would bring Stones back home, chisel away at the young small-forward logjam, and add another second-round pick to their arsenal (something they are actually low on). The Tyus Jones for Marcus Smart trade essentially becomes the Luke Kennard for Marcus Smart trade, and both teams really don’t lose here, in my opinion. Luke Kennard has also taken a slight dip this season and his one dimensional play and minor inconsistencies this season have made me more comfortable with moving him for a piece with greater benefit, and I think this is one of them. For the people who will raise the argument that Tyus Jones wouldn’t resign here, I would disagree. He had his chance to leave the nest, and within a season, it turned sour. Tyus would definitely have the opportunity to once again try to sign with another team this summer, but I strongly believe he would stay here because, again, this is like home to him, and this city, this team, and this organization value him. 

Why do Memphis and Washington say no? Although Memphis has tough decisions to make, they question lies at which of the small forwards do they plan on keeping and developing and maybe Roddy and/or LaRavia are those guys. They also may not want to deal Kennard and may have a mutual understanding on what they want and their plans moving forward together.

As for Washington, I don’t know. I don’t think they even know.

Quentin Grimes becomes “Grit and Grimes”.

Memphis Grizzlies receive : Quentin Grimes.

New York Knicks receive : John Konchar, Jake LaRavia, and an unprotected 2030 second-round pick.

Quentin Grimes for John Konchar and Jake LaRavia seems beneficial for both teams. Grimes and Konchar are somewhat similar in play styles and both produce in their own systems in a unique way, and with the Knicks on the market after making a move for O.G. Anunoby and Memphis looking to tighten up loose screws, this could be a beneficial deal on both sides. LaRavia has been rumored to have interest from New York and is currently still struggling to find his footing in a Memphis organization that is tied up with young talent, and a change of scenery may be what he needs. Konchar is a great rebounder for his size, hustles on tough plays, and can score on open shots. He honestly seems like a guy who would flourish in a system like Tom Thibodeau’s. Grimes would fill a great bench role in Memphis and supply some of the same qualities as Konchar while being four years younger and just a little more versatile. Grimes is currently on a down year, with the Knicks averaging nearly 10 fewer minutes per game with less rotational opportunity while being subject to a plethora of trade rumors, and it honestly seems like a fresh start is what is both impending and needed of him moving forward, so why not Memphis? He could get his grove and start for the rest of this season and fill in for a sixth-man role off the bench next season. I really like the idea of him coming to Memphis.

Why do New York and Memphis say yes? The Knicks and Quentin Grimes are on the verge of an apparent breakup in New York, and Konchar is the perfect guy for that team. A team on the edge of contending with adding another hustle player off the bench that can play decent defense, rebound for his size, and do all the dirty work while your star players do their own jobs. You also lock him down for two extra years than you would Grimes, who is seemingly unlikely to re-sign after his contract expires anyway. They also get a spare second-round pick and Jake LaRavia who may find a spark under a coach like Thibs.

Memphis adds another young piece in Quentin Grimes (23), who is a reliable bench scorer and defender who provides energy and is currently not being utilized to his full potential on his team. You also part ways with Konchar, who is in and out of the Memphis rotation, and free an extra roster spot and create wiggle room at the small forward spot. I think both players would flourish more in their new respective systems after this deal.

Why do New York and Memphis say no? New York may deem Grimes more valuable and look for a better deal around the deadline, or they may just flat-out keep him. Even though his minutes and production have gone down, New York may still not be ready to part ways. With New York and Tom Thibodeau, you can never really be too sure, and it is entirely possible that despite the rumors, he will remain a Knick.

Memphis may have tunnel vision for the acquisition of a point guard and center and have minimal interest in anything else, at least until the summer, and a move that is a swap with no other returns at other positions may not be what is on their mind at the moment. They may also be more inclined to use Konchar as bait in a bigger package and steer away from dealing him on his own.

Memphis gets their own Vanderbilt with Vando.

Memphis Grizzlies receive : Jarred Vanderbilt

Los Angeles Lakers receive : John Konchar, unprotected 2026 second-round pick, 2030 unprotected second-round pick.

Let me start by saying that ever since the 2022 Memphis Grizzlies versus Minnesota Timberwolves playoff series, I have been 1000% sold on Jarred Vanderbilt. This may be more of my fantasy than what some would consider a realistic target, but I still think it’s something far from impossible.

The Lakers are on the cusp of their early “LeGM Deadline Special,” where they flip half their roster and reflect on all of their off-season deals that they thought prompted them to contention status but ultimately didn’t. I definitely think Vando is a moveable asset for them, especially with the kind of big-man depth that they are currently rolling with. There have been rumors of the Lakers being interested in John Konchar as well, and as I have said prior, Konchar is the kind of guy contending teams (or teams that believe they’re contending) want because he does the dirty work and also provides things that aren’t generally found at his position. If the Lakers are going to shake things up and look for pieces to propel them, I could easily see him being a target they shoot for.

Why would Los Angeles and Memphis say yes? As I said, if the Lakers want to take a step closer to contention, they’re going to want a guy who can do the dirty work and also provide out-of-position basketball, and Konchar provides both. They’re loaded with bigs, and with Vanderbilt playing at an obvious decline, I think the Lakers bite at a move like this, especially with two picks taped to it.

Memphis adds a big that can play defense on positions 1–5, is super athletic, can hit open shots, and can completely shift the energy of a game. Jarred Vanderbilt gave Memphis absolute hell in the 2022 NBA Playoffs and was probably the biggest difference-maker in that series despite falling to the Grizzlies 2-4 in a series that they arguably had in the bag at many points. Vando is in a city and a system that holds a lot of pressure and expectations, and I believe landing in a spot like Memphis would be a pleasant change and could allow him to get back to playing that level of basketball, especially with the supporting cast that he’d have here. (P.S. Jarred Vanderbilt loves Memphis’s own, Plant Based Heat, a vegan soul-food eatery.)

Why would Los Angeles and Memphis say no? The Lakers are indeed entering “LeGM” mode, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that Vanderbilt is who they’re willing to part with when it comes to big men. They could easily be fishing for deals for other bigs like Christian Wood or Jaxson Hayes and be holding put on deals for Vando, especially considering the time he has missed this year.

Memphis could also be looking for a more “true” big man, and with Vanderbilt being a more fluid, hybrid-like big, it could be of low interest for Memphis to bring him in. The upside is Vanderbilt being an energizing bench big for the Grizz once Adams comes back, but then again, this could all just be my fantasy.