Memphis Grizzlies: 5 takeaways from 2017-18 NBA season
By Max Carlin
3. You can’t always get what you want
Speaking of missed opportunities at February’s trade deadline, clinging to Gasol doesn’t even compare to the gaffe that tops Memphis’ extensive list of miscues.
Prior to Feb. 8’s trade deadline, Tyreke Evans was electric. He averaged 19.5 points, five rebounds and five assists on 56.3 percent true shooting. He shot 39.2 percent on 5.4 attempts from long range per game! The 2010 Rookie of the Year was mind-bogglingly good.
He was also the perfect trade chip.
On an expiring contract, Evans was a contender’s dream. What’s more, his lack of team control (Memphis, by keeping him, would have effectively had no advantage in re-signing Evans this offseason) gave Memphis zero incentive whatsoever to hang on to the bench spark plug. A trade was destined to happen.
Yet Feb. 8 came and passed and Evans continued to don Memphis’ drab and lifeless navy blue. Of course, Evans only did so six times after the trade deadline.
Memphis was so set on squeezing a first round pick out of prospective suitors that it settled for nothing. Evidently, no one in the front office cares much for the Rolling Stones. In future negotiations, Memphis must be more flexible.