Memphis Grizzlies: 3 trade possibilities for Marc Gasol

3. Sacramento Kings

The Sacramento Kings and Memphis Grizzlies swapping players or having similar players on their rosters? We haven’t seen this since (deep breath): Zach Randolph, Omri Casspi, Ben McLemore (twice), Garrett Temple, Vince Carter, Kosta Koufos, Bruno Caboclo, Tyreke Evans and honorable mention, head coach Dave Joerger.

Memphis would check off all three boxes with this trade: cap relief, a young asset and some draft picks. The Grizz already shipped off their own second-rounder in the Justin Holiday trade.

The Grizzlies would surely like to push for more in this trade, but the Kings would be wise not to give up much more. Zach Randolph, who has already been in some trade rumors, is an expiring deal that would give the Grizzlies some cap relief. Additionally, it would be a homecoming for Z-Bo, who may be entering his last playing days.

Willie Cauley-Stein has shown steady improvement during his four years. This year, he is averaging career highs in minutes, points, assists and rebounds. His defense hasn’t improved as many would have hoped, as he’s still allowing opponents to shoot 62.9 percent in the restricted area.

His pairing with Jaren Jackson Jr. would be interesting and dangerous, as both are string beans who foul a lot. Cauley-Stein is in the final year of his rookie deal, so the Grizzlies would have control over his future with the team.

Gasol would reunite with Dave Joerger, who once believed Gasol was trying to get him fired, but could provide a nice veteran role with a team full of youngsters. Randolph has played a grand total of zero minutes this year, and having a veteran on the floor would give the Kings something they’ve lacked.

Gasol would join a team competing for the playoffs and has a bright young future. Whether he’d like to stick around past this year is anyone’s guess.