The Memphis Grizzlies had an injury-riddled season, leading to a disappointing 27-55 season. Ahead of the 2024 NBA Draft, the Grizzlies are shopping the ninth overall pick to add a win-now player.
Memphis had injuries to their whole rotation throughout the season, making it tough to compete. Ja Morant only appeared in nine games due to his 25-game suspension and a season-ending shoulder tear. With Morant and a healthy overall roster, the Grizzlies could return to contention in the Western Conference.
When Morant was healthy in the 2022-23 season, Memphis was second seed in the West at 51-31. In that season, Morant averaged 26.2 points, 5.9 rebounds, 8.1 assists, and 1.1 steals per game. He shot 46.6 percent from the field and 30.7 percent from three.
The 24-year-old is a young star guard who has proven that he should be built around. Memphis has two great pieces alongside him in Jaren Jackson Jr and Desmond Bane.
The Grizzlies have tough competition in the Western Conference and will need to be aggressive to upgrade their roster around Morant. With that said, here are three trades the team must consider with the ninth overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.
Grizzlies acquire De'Andre Hunter
Hawks receive: Luke Kennard, John Konchar, and the ninth overall pick
Grizzlies receive: De'Andre Hunter
One target that the Grizzlies should pursue is Atlanta Hawks forward De'Andre Hunter. Hunter appeared in 57 games this season, averaging 15.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.5 assists. He shot 45.9 percent from the floor and 38.5 percent from behind the arc. He is only 26 years old and fits the timeline over the rest of the Grizzlies roster.
Luke Kennard has a $14.7 million team option, and Konchar will make $6.1 million, making these two Grizzlies tradeable contracts. Atlanta could opt to flip them to another team if there is interest.
Memphis needs a forward that can fit at the small forward or power forward position. Hunter fits that mold, and the Hawks, who should be making a flurry of moves this offseason, could move him.
There have been rumors surrounding Trae Young and Dejounte Murray. Atlanta also holds the first overall pick, making them a candidate to enter a rebuild around Jalen Johnson and their selection at number one.
If that's the case, trading Hunter to get another lottery selection would make a ton of sense. The Grizzlies should pounce on the opportunity to get a quality starting forward while he may be available.
Grizzlies trade for Kyle Kuzma
Wizards receive: Luke Kennard, John Konchar, and the ninth overall pick
Grizzlies receive: Kyle Kuzma
Kyle Kuzma is another forward whom the Grizzlies should target. The Washington Wizards are shopping the 28-year-old forward as they continue to rebuild their roster.
Kuzma is another player who could thrive at the small forward or power forward position. As the offense's focal point in Washington, Kuzma averaged 22.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. He shot 46.3 percent from the field and 33.6 percent from deep.
Kuzma's role would be different in Memphis, but he's shown the ability to impact winning basketball. Kuzma was effective as a role player with the Los Angeles Lakers during their 2020 title run.
The Grizzlies could use an all-around forward who contributes in many ways. Kuzma's aggressiveness on the boards would help next to Jackson Jr, who has moved to the center position despite not being a strong rebounder.
Kuzma has also developed into a solid playmaker and defender, but his main attribute is scoring. He would fit as their third or fourth scoring option behind Morant, Bane, and possibly Jackson Jr. Having another shot-creator who has a well-rounded game at the forward position could be the missing piece for the Grizzlies.
Another lottery pick would be enticing for the Wizards as they build up their young core. They could look to move Kennard and Konchar to other teams or keep them as role players.
The Grizzlies biggest need this offseason is to acquire another forward. Hunter and Kuzma should be considered, as they would fit well around Morant.
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