The Memphis Grizzlies are intent on keeping their centerpiece Marc Gasol within home confines throughout this trade deadline. Despite teams calling to ask for Gasol's availability, they have all been met with a resounding “no” — refusing to discuss any trades involving their franchise center, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
The Grizzlies are in dire straits after losing their starting point guard Mike Conley for the entire season after playing in only 12 games this 2017-18 season.
Losers in eight of their last 10 games and with a record of 18-36, placing them 12th in the West, Memphis' hopes for the playoffs are likely crushed after an underachieving season.
The Grizzlies will look to cash in by moving guard/forward hybrid Tyreke Evans after he's had the best season of his career since his rookie year with the Sacramento Kings, averaging 19.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game.
The organization is looking to grow through its youth, though they've had very poor luck in recent years, as most of their first and second rounders have ended up elsewhere and not developed as potential building pieces.
Evans could yield a first-round pick, still at 28 years of age and a relatively clean bill of health this season — although injury concerns and an impending free agency might take a hit on his value despite his great performance during this campaign.
For now, the Grizzlies will keep Gasol at home base and turn away any talk of trading him, hoping to calm the waters and emphasize his importance in their plan moving forward.
Follow Us
Subscribe