Memphis Grizzlies: 3 reasons to stand pat at 2019 NBA Trade Deadline
3. It’s better to lose the Boston Celtics pick now
Way back in 2015, the Boston Celtics, Memphis Grizzlies and New Orleans Pelicans completed a three-team, five-player trade that sent journeyman Jeff Green to the Grizzlies and a 2019 protected first round pick back to the Celtics.
The pick’s protections are as follows:
- 2019: top-8 protected
- 2020: top-6 protected
- 2021: Unprotected
Right now, the Grizzlies keep hovering between the sixth and the eighth spot in the lottery. If they land at No. 9, the pick goes to the Celtics. Anywhere from 1-8, and they get to keep their pick.
But…
The process starts over again the following year and they’d have to land anywhere from 1-6 to keep their pick. If they do that again…Boston gets their pick in 2021 no matter what.
Who knows what will happen by 2021?
The Grizzlies, even before this year, looked like they were heading in the rebuilding direction eventually and top lottery picks are quite valuable. Additionally, this year’s draft is looking rather weak, as Sam Vecenie of The Athletic wrote:
"“…this draft continues to largely disappoint evaluators within top NBA front offices…the excitement for this class has been muted.”"
In a weak draft class, it would be better to lose a pick in the back end of the lottery rather than trying to trade and tank their way to the bottom of the standings. That way they will control their destiny going forward, when things could get worse.
Rip off the bandaid now, and have a clear mind going forward.