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As the NBA trade deadline approaches, the Memphis Grizzlies are one of the few teams that could reasonably take it easy. They are the third seed in the Western Conference with a terrific, young cast of players. There isn't too much urgency for the Grizzlies to make a significant move right now.
Still, Memphis has areas to improve in and may want to take full advantage of the terrific year they're having right now. Their depth is super impressive but not perfect. Especially considering the age of the roster, finding a more surefire veteran option that can elevate the team is a good use of their draft picks and less-heralded young players.
The area where the Grizzlies can improve the most is with their center position. Steven Adams has been solid this season — posting 6.7 rebounds, 9.5 rebounds and 3.1 assists — but is not going to be a significant part of this team moving forward. Thanks to his $17 million contract, the Grizzlies could use him to land an upgrade. He will become a bigger non-factor the later the Grizzlies get in the season, and they should get ahead of that by finding a center that can do more.
2 trades Grizzlies must make before 2022 NBA trade deadline
With the trades of Caris LeVert and Domantas Sabonis, the Indiana Pacers are going all-in on a rebuild. Myles Turner will most likely be the next big piece moved. The Grizzlies would benefit from having another skilled big man in their lineup. Memphis will have to fight off other teams who are interested in Turner. If the front office is as feisty as the team is, Turner will likely be acquires
This season, Turner is averaging 12.9 points, 7.1 rebounds and a league-leading 2.8 blocks per game while shooting 33.3 percent from deep. His incredible defensive abilities would be a great addition to the Grizzlies, especially next to Jaren Jackson Jr. Having two of the league's most mobile big men would make their defense unfair. His shooting would also be a great addition for their offense.
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Defense will be extra important as the Grizzlies look to make a playoff run. Few players can transform a team on that side of the ball like Turner potentially can. With the possibility of seeing a star big man like Nikola Jokic, Anthony Davis, Karl-Anthony Towns or Deandre Ayton in the playoffs, the Grizzlies should gear up for that matchup.
The Houston Rockets, like the Pacers, are rebuilding and would benefit from trading away their veteran players. Wood is ripe for the picking as an athletic big man that can shoot and create his own shot.
Wood is averaging 17.7 points, 10.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists this season while shooting 37.4 percent from deep. His ability to handle the ball, shoot the three-ball, finish lobs would make him a stand-out addition to the offense, giving Ja Morant endless options to attack defenses in pick-and-roll (or pick-and-pop) situations.
Although Wood is not a lock-down defender, he has the potential to be a positive impact on that side of the ball. Jackson should be able to cover for him, as will Brandon Clarke. The offensive upside Memphis would gain outweighs the potential pitfalls on defense. Getting Morant another scorer should increase his ability to punish defenses.
