According to NBA insiders Ramona Shelburne, Tim MacMahon and Michael C. Wright of ESPN, the Memphis Grizzlies tried to trade for Mikal Bridges and Dorian Finney-Smith in 2023.
The Grizzlies parted ways with Dillon Brooks in 2023, so they needed a wing defender.
Memphis lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round of the 2023 playoffs in six games. The franchise didn’t re-sign Brooks and added veterans Derrick Rose and Marcus Smart.
Last season was a disaster for the Grizzlies, who went 27-55. Ja Morant only played in nine games due to a suspension and shoulder injury.
The Grizzlies are in fifth place in the Western Conference standings this season. They are 44-31.
However, the vibes around the team aren’t good. Taylor Jenkins was fired as head coach and Morant hasn’t been happy with the offensive schemes.
One of the top point guards in the NBA, Morant has appeared in 45 games this season. He’s averaging 22.4 points, 4.2 rebounds and 7.4 assists.
Draymond Green, who almost left the Golden State Warriors for the Grizzlies in 2023, has been confused by Memphis’ offense this season.
“They run an unconventional offense. … What they’re doing is weird,” Green told NBA reporters after Golden State’s home win over Memphis on Nov. 15. “In the NBA, most rotations and patterns are pretty similar. What they’re doing is, like, I haven’t seen it.”
The Grizzlies fired Jenkins to optimize Morant. Assistant Noah LaRoche was the driving force behind the Grizzlies going away from ball screens, the scheme Morant liked. Memphis fired LaRoche.
Morant is the best player on the Grizzlies. He’s a talented scorer and playmaker.
However, one NBA general manager doesn’t think the Grizzlies can win consistently with Morant leading the charge.
“Does he sell tickets? Yes,” the rival GM told ESPN. “Is he a top-25 player when healthy? Yes. Can he win multiple series as the best player? No. Not sure most years you can win even one. Plus he is always hurt.”
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