Memphis Grizzlies: Small forward trade scenarios
By Tony East
The Memphis Grizzlies need help pretty much everywhere. Let’s look at their trade options on the wing.
The small forward position might be the most straightforward one for the Memphis Grizzlies. Chandler Parsons is talented but significantly overpaid, James Ennis is a quality player but is on an expiring contract, and Dillon Brooks represents a significant part of the Grizzlies’ young assets. These players don’t have a ton to assess outside of their standing with the team contractually.
The challenge is, as described in other trade pieces, does the Memphis front office want to turn its attention to next season or significantly further down the road? That choice alters what they will do in trades. Let’s take a look at some trade scenarios on the wing in both scenarios.
Focus on 2018-19
As stated before, the 2018-19 season is the last on Marc Gasol‘s contract, so the Memphis Grizzlies could focus on making this season their last of a competitive era. Fortunately, on the wing, this might be one of their easier positions to address.
Chandler Parsons and Dillon Brooks are both under contract next year, which presents two players who could both be in the rotation. But the front office could still make a few trades to possibly upgrade the wing next year.
This one helps the Grizzlies in the future in a unique way. While Parsons helps Memphis on the wing, his contract is such an albatross that it cripples their ability to add players. In this trade, they gain about $7 million in cap room next season while also acquiring a first round pick. Tim Frazier could even be the backup point guard for the rest of this season.
Meanwhile, the Wizards gain a quality player on the wing and get oout of the Mahinmi contract. I see this as a win-win trade between the two teams involved.
This one is simple, easy and great for the Grizzlies. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is exactly what Memphis needs — a defensive-minded wing — since none of the current wings are particularly great on that end of the floor. They also get rid of Ben McLemore, who they are reportedly shopping, according to Basketball Insiders‘ Michael Scotto.
The Hornets, meanwhile, are in the middle of a fire sale. They could get off of the Kidd-Gilchrist contract by getting Brandan Wright‘s expiring contract and McLemore’s low deal with only one additional year. This would help both teams outlook for 2018-19.
Trades that help the Grizzlies focus on the future
The Memphis Grizzlies could look at their record this season and realize that they need to acquire as many future assets as they can. This means trading away any current players for any younger players or draft picks they could get.
On the wing, small forward is the hardest position for the Grizzlies to focus on the future. Chandler Parsons’ contract is so expensive that no other team would give up an asset to acquire him. If the front office can get any draft pick for him, they should take it.
Dillon Brooks, meanwhile, is a rookie who has been playing well. If the Grizzlies want to focus on their future, they should absolutely not trade Brooks, as he could be a contributor down the road.
That leaves James Ennis as the only small forward the Grizzlies could trade to focus on the future. Only one trade stood out as a fair Ennis trade, and it is with a team we already discussed.
The Wizards have basically no flexibility going forward. James Ennis’s early Bird rights could be a great way for Washington to acquire a cheap contributor on the wing going forward.
Given that Ennis’ contract is expiring, getting anything for him would be smart for the Memphis Grizzlies. If they can get a second round draft pick (around the time the Wizards will be bad again) and a flier on Chris McCullough, they should make the deal.
The cash considerations cover McCullough’s contract for the rest of the season, in case he doesn’t work out in Memphis.
Next: NBA trade rumors: 7 potential Kemba Walker trades
Small forward is the hardest position for the Grizzlies to trade. Ennis is the only one who can reasonably be considered a trade candidate. Because of this, realistic trade scenarios are hard to find. Hopefully, general manager Chris Wallace makes the right decisions.