With the NBA trade deadline quickly approaching, the Memphis Grizzlies have seemingly started to shift gears toward their rebuild. As a result, shooting guard Tyreke Evans' departure has become an inevitability after he did not take part in Wednesday's game versus the Indiana Pacers.

It has been a disastrous 2017-18 NBA season for the Grizzlies, to say the least. However, Evans is still optimistic about his prospects on the trade market, according to Michael Wallace of Grind City Media:

“I really don’t know how it’s going to turn out, but I’ve heard there’s a lot of interest out there for me, and that’s a good thing,” Evans said as he exited Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indiana on Wednesday night. “The season hasn’t gone that great, the way we wanted, but I’ve been happy in Memphis and with what I was able to do to help this team.”

Although Evans is not sure as to which teams are interested, he was rather confident about general manager Chris Wallace trading him to a team that is in playoff contention.

 “This is part of the business,” Evans said. “You understand that as a player, and you just continue to do the best you can do and wait for everything else to play out. I talked to Chris (Wallace) and he told me what the situation was, and that he was happy with everything I was able to come here and try to do. All I know is that if I have to move on, I’m going to end up on a team that’s going to the playoffs and I’ll have a chance to contribute, hopefully the way I have here.”

RECOMMENDED (Article Continues Below)
Grizzlies Derrick Rose Ja Morant

Peter Sampson ·

GG Jackson of the Grizzles vs. the Nuggets

Rexwell Villas ·

Ja Morant in Murray State jersey and crown on his head

Joshua Valdez ·

While Evans may seem a bit self-assured, there is certainly good reason to be. Despite the tumultuous year Memphis has endured, the former lottery pick is arguably in the best season of his career.

Evans largely floundered over the last two years before taking a central role within the Grizzlies' depleted offense. He is currently averaging 19.5 points, 5.0 assists, and 5.0 rebounds per game this season. However, he may have to come to grips with less playing time should he ultimately land with a playoff contender like he intends to.