Memphis Grizzlies: Center trade scenarios

Marc Gasol has been a face of the Memphis Grizzlies franchise for at least a half-decade. It may be time to move on.

The hardest decision for a franchise to make is deciding if it is time for a rebuild or not. That decision is even harder when you are currently in the midst of the longest run of playoff success in franchise history. But lo and behold, that is the situation the Memphis Grizzlies are in right now.

Currently, in year 10 of the Marc Gasol era, this season could be the first season since 2009-10 where Memphis projects to win less than 40 games. It is also the second-to-last year of his contract, and with his production falling, it may be time to move on.

But the other challenge is that Gasol has another year on his contract after this one. If the Grizzlies wanted, they could try to run it back next season one last time with Conley and Gasol and end their most successful era with a bang. If that happens, they would likely need another center to back up Gasol, since he would be 34 and incapable of playing big minutes.

With all of that being said, the Memphis Grizzlies essentially have two avenues to explore: They can either trade their centers for future prospects now or trade some of their assets for a productive reserve big man for next season. Let’s explore some moves they could make on either path.

Trades focusing on next season:

If the Grizzlies decide to focus on next season, they would almost certainly not trade Marc Gasol. He would be an integral part of their focus on success. But the Grizz could decide to trade for a backup center if they believe Deyonta Davis is inadequate. Let’s look at some of those potential moves.

The Sacramento Kings have a million centers on their roster, so it seems weird that they would acquire one. But Brandan Wright’s contract expires at the end of this season, while Kosta Koufos’ expires after next season. This gets them out of one of their big man contracts while also netting a second round pick.

The Grizzlies take on Koufos, who could help them off the bench this and next season, while also acquiring Malachi Richardson, who could give them just a little more youth in the pipeline. A solid trade for both teams.

The Grizzlies have a trade exception from their trade sending away Troy Daniels that would allow them to absorb Hernangomez’s salary without sending any away. The Knicks seem intent on not giving the Spaniard minutes, as he’s only played 222 so far this year, but he has shown that he can play and has potential, so the Grizzlies would happily take him as a backup big and young player.

The New York Knicks get a great second round pick for a guy that clearly isn’t a part of their future — a no-brainer for them.

The only challenge with this trade is that the Grizzlies would have to waive a player to create a roster space for Hernangomez. Wayne Selden and Ivan Rabb, who both have played less than 250 minutes this season, would be the most likely candidates in that scenario.

Trades focusing on the future:

This entire section of the article could just say “Trade Marc Gasol.” His production is down this year. His value is dwindling by the day, so the Grizzlies would be wise to move him now and get as much as they can for him.

If the front office can get anything of value for Deyonta Davis, they should take it. With that being said, let’s look at two Marc Gasol trades.

The most obvious landing spot for Gasol is Cleveland, especially given the news that Kevin Love is out for two months. Gasol would immediately help LeBron James and would slide them back to the top of the Eastern Conference.

But Gasol alone probably isn’t worth the Nets pick. That is why the Grizzlies take back Tristan Thompson and Iman Shumpert’s contracts. The Cavs get off some money and pay less money toward the luxury tax. That, combined with getting Gasol, would make them give up the Nets pick.

Here come the Toronto Raptors. They go all in for this season, acquiring Tyreke Evans and Gasol in a blockbuster trade that makes them a force not just in the East but in the NBA in general. The Raps would have one heck of a team and could still keep some of their youth and picks.

Thr Grizzlies would be unhappy to have to pay Jonas Valanciunas for the next three seasons. But getting Jakob Poeltl and OG Annunoby would certainly make it worth it, as they both show a ton of promise already at a young age. Adding youth would be perfect for Memphis.

Like the Hernangomez trade, the Grizzlies would have to waive players to make the trade possible, in this case, it is two players. Alfonso McKinnie would presumably be one of them since he is non-guaranteed next season. The other, as mentioned earlier, would probably be Ivan Rabb.

Next: 2017-18 Week 16 NBA Power Rankings

A Marc Gasol trade would shake up the whole league, but it might just be time for the Grizzlies. Who knows what path they will choose, but we will know in the next 10 days.