Why This Trade Makes Sense For The Memphis Grizzlies
As mentioned before, the Grizzlies will probably hold off on making any significant moves or roster changes, but if they do decide to move forward with this proposed trade scenario, they could actually make out quite well. Jaren Jackson Jr. should be returning from injury within the next few weeks and Brandon Clarke looking solid in his absence, the Grizzlies frontcourt would be able to figure things out and be just fine without Valanciunas.
One of the main reasons why the Grizzlies are a tricky team to play is because of the pace they play at and all the young talent they have that are able to contribute. Gorgui Dieng is the only player over 30-years old on this roster, giving Memphis one of the younger teams in the league.
They may be young, but this team plays with a lot of heart and energy, which is why adding more young talent to the equation makes a lot of sense. When healthy, Thomas Bryant can be a high-impact young talent in the frontcourt and both Jerome Robinson and Moritz Wagner are young players who can contribute meaningful minutes now.
While their scoring numbers may not blow anybody away, both Robinson and Wagner are two players who are still growing and can fit virtually any role needed for their team. The Grizzlies already have a bunch of options at shooting guard and small forward, but they could make some adjustments to get Robinson into some rotations.
In the frontcourt, with Valanciunas gone, Moritz Wagner could step up and be a key role player for the Grizzlies in the starting rotation until Jaren Jackson Jr. returns from injury. Wagner has been getting better and better this season and has worked his way into Washington’s starting rotation as a result.
RELATED: NBA Trade Rumors: This Celtics-Grizzlies trade features Jonas Valanciunas to Boston
While getting some young talent is definitely a plus for the Grizzlies, getting two first-round picks is definitely a lot of value for a player like Valanciunas. He is not an All-Star center, but getting All-Star type value for him could set the Grizzlies up for a lot of success not just now, but for many years to come because of the young core they can build and grow.
While they are very much in playoff contention this year, trading away Jonas Valanciunas may make more sense than initially believed for the Memphis Grizzlies. They are a young, hungry team that could become even more dangerous moving forward by making this trade.
