Hoops Habit
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Losers From The NBA Trade Deadline

By Colby Giacubeno

Jan 30, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) reacts after a play during the second half against the Washington Wizards at Toyota Center. The Wizards won 123-122. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 30, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) reacts after a play during the second half against the Washington Wizards at Toyota Center. The Wizards won 123-122. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 19, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Chris Andersen (7) and guard Mike Conley (11) celebrate during the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at FedExForum. Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 109-104. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 19, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Chris Andersen (7) and guard Mike Conley (11) celebrate during the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at FedExForum. Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 109-104. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /

Memphis Grizzlies

Judging by the moves that were made by Memphis, it seems they are waving the white flag on the remainder of the season.

When Marc Gasol was went down with a broken foot and it was announced he would likely be out for the year, Memphis was put at a crossroads of whether they should continue to make a playoff run, or start making moves to prepare for the offseason and landing a top free agent.

By the end of the deadline, the Grizzlies added Chris Andersen, P.J. Hairston, and Lance Stephenson–not exactly the three best players in terms of great civility off the court. These players will join the likes of Zach Randolph, Matt Barnes, and Tony Allen to form another version of the Portland “Jail Blazers” from the early 2000s.

At 32-22 and fifth place, there is a good chance that the Grizzlies can stay in the playoff picture with 28 games remaining. Memphis will have enough cap space to re-sign Mike Conley, who becomes an unrestricted free agent after this season, and also go for another impact player.

It may be tough to persuade a top player to come to Memphis, but if it happens, a big three formed around Conley, Gasol, and another big-time player would make them a force once again.

Next: Toronto