NBA Trade Grades: Grizzlies Acquire Jeff Green

Memphis Grizzlies:

The brutal West has reached full-scale blood bath mode. Less than an hour after the Brandan Wright trade hit the web — a trade that bolsters Phoenix’s playoff hopes — the Grizzlies added a terrific wing defender and decent scorer to replace Prince, who has been in the twilight of his career for years now.

Prince, who was averaging 7.4 points and 3.2 rebounds per game while shooting nearly 42 percent from three-point range, is 34 years old. Green represents a major upgrade on the wing who will improve Memphis’ already stout defense.

Come playoff time, this is the kind of move that could help the Grizzlies get back to the Western Conference Finals. Zach Randolph‘s health is still imperative for this team to compete, but with a fully healthy lineup, Memphis now joins the ranks of the elite in the West (if they weren’t already there).

Pondexter has proven he can be a knock-down shooter at various points throughout his career, but he’s struggled heavily to have any sort of impact this season, shooting just 23.3 percent from three-point range this season. So losing him doesn’t really hurt Memphis much.

With the team’s two best players — Marc Gasol (29) and Z-Bo (33) — not getting any younger, this move is a no-brainer for a team that wants to contend.

Grade: A-

Next: New Orleans Pelicans