Memphis Grizzlies: 5 biggest disappointments from 2017-18 NBA season

2. The mishandling of Tyreke Evans

The Grizzlies were one of the most active teams during the NBA Trade Deadline this season, but they didn’t end up making a move. Memphis went as far as benching guard Tyreke Evans, the team’s leading scorer this season, prior to the Feb. 8 trade deadline.

Evans was ultimately kept past the deadline after teams like the Boston Celtics, Denver Nuggets and Philadelphia 76ers held pat on their trade offers. The Grizzlies wanted a first round pick in return for Evans, but like most things, greed never wins in the NBA.

The truth of the matter is Tyreke Evans is on a one-year deal worth $3.3 million. He will be a free agent at the end of this season after his most productive season since 2009-10, his rookie year. He averaged 19.4 points, 5.2 assists, 5.1 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game this season and will most likely be a highly-sought out free agent by many teams.

Memphis was unable to get anything for him, so if he leaves, it’ll be left with the short end of the stick. Not to mention, the Grizzlies have yet to hire a head coach, making this offseason an important one for them to nail. Otherwise, it could be another down year.