Memphis Grizzlies: 5 biggest errors by GM Chris Wallace

MEMPHIS, TN - SEPTEMBER 17: Chris Wallace, General Manager of the Memphis Grizzlies, helps introduce new players during a press conference on September 17, 2018 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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(Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) /

2. Trading Kevin Love for O.J. Mayo

Back in 2008, the Minnesota Timberwolves selected O.J. Mayo with the third overall pick in the NBA Draft. Two picks later, the Memphis Grizzlies selected Kevin Love. Shortly after both players were selected, the teams completed an eight-player trade that saw Kevin Love and O.J. Mayo switching sides.

Mayo had a strong rookie campaign, pairing up with Mike Conley to form one of the better young backcourts in the league. He finished All-NBA Rookie First team and runner-up to Derrick Rose for Rookie of the Year.

Alas, a strong rookie season doesn’t always translate into a good professional career (*cough* Michael Carter-Williams *cough*). Mayo’s career quickly tumbled, as his shooting slowly declined through his four years with the team. Memphis never made a qualifying offer to Mayo and he left, landing with Dallas and the Milwaukee Bucks before falling out of the league completely with a PED suspension to boot.

Mayo’s most recognizable event with the Grizzlies was getting beat up by Tony Allen on a team flight over a card game dispute, “spurring” the team to second-half success.

Love, on the other hand, turned into a double-double machine, five-time All-Star, two-time All-NBA player, and eventual champion with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

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