The Memphis Grizzlies were eliminated by the Utah Jazz in five games in the first round of the NBA playoffs. They took a big step in the right direction as Ja Morant proved himself to be a star throughout this series.

Although the Grizzlies were close to making the playoffs last year, many doubted them making it this year.

Morant led this team to the playoffs surrounded around a young core. The Grizzlies have a chance to become a playoff team every year by making a few trades.

If the Grizzlies are able to make these key moves in the off-season they will be set up for the future.

Here are 3 trades to help the Grizzlies take the next step after the playoff loss to the Jazz.

Grizzlies trade possibilities:

3. Guard Derrick White

The Grizzlies are led by guard Morant but could benefit from having a great scorer as a 6th man. Derrick White averaged 15 points per game this season and the Grizzlies could improve with his scoring punch.

White would fit well as the sixth man for the Grizzlies but recently signed a four year extension with the San Antonio Spurs. It may hard to trade for him but Memphis should inquire about him and see what the asking price would be.

If the Grizzlies are able to acquire White the bench production will improve in the scoring department.

2. Forward Thaddeus Young

Thaddeus Young was one of the biggest surprises in this season as his impact was huge for the Chicago Bulls. He averaged 12 points and 6 rebounds throughout the season and was great for the Bulls. Young would be a great player for the Grizzlies to acquire as he would be a veteran presence for the team.

He fits the team well and could help the young players develop in the Memphis locker room. Young is entering the last year of his deal which would make this trade a low risk high reward deal for the Grizzlies.

The Grizzlies could become a better team if they add Young to the team.

1. Forward Dario Saric

Dario Saric could be a great fit for Memphis. He is a stretch big that could create space for Morant and the Grizzlies offense. Although he may not be as notable as a name as White or Young he fits the team well. Morant is great at getting into the paint and finishing which draws attention from the opposing teams rim protectors. Saric would be able to sit in the corner where Morant could pass out for 3.

If the Grizzlies can trade for Saric the spacing of the team will elevate.

The Grizzlies young core is good but adding these veterans could make all the difference. While Memphis may not be thought of as a threat, it have a young core which could make them a dangerous to play against in the future. Morant would benefit from these veteran moves and it could make Memphis a top-five seed in the regular season compared to last season.

Although they lost in the first round this was a very successful season for the Grizzlies. It was Morant's first playoff series and he proved he is the cornerstone of the franchise. This series also showed that they have built a good all around young core on the team.

If the Grizzlies can make these trades in the off-season the team will be even better next season.