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The Memphis Grizzlies are one of the franchises that were not even expected to be in the top six of the Western Conference. One main reason was they even dealt their most consistent player last season in Jonas Valanciunas to the New Orleans Pelicans for future assets. To add insult to injury, Ja Morant even sustained an unfortunate non-contact injury a few weeks ago.
Even if the national media gives little attention to this Grizzlies franchise, they are still playing at a high level and sitting at forth place in the competitive Western Conference. What makes it more impressive is how they have elevated their performance in the absence of Morant. Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane have been the catalysts with as the leaders and top performers over the last few weeks. With the flexibility that Memphis has, they could still add a more few more pieces before the trade deadline.
3 players Grizzlies must target at NBA Trade Deadline
Robert Covington
The Grizzlies have talented guards already on their roster, but they could still bolster their forwards and wings, so they could be effective when they play Jackson Jr. at the five. Covington would complement the offense that is led by Morant and Jackson Jr. because he would spot up on the three-point line and spread the floor for them to wreak havoc every single possession.
On the other side of the floor, Covington is known for his help defense that would aid their incredible defenders in DeAnthony Melton and Dillon Brooks. The focal point of the identity for Memphis has been their defense, and Covington would fit perfectly into that culture. It would not cost the Grizzlies future assets as well because Covington is on an expiring deal for the Blazers that are possibly heading toward the rebuilding direction.
With the Indiana Pacers expressing their openness to negotiate deals that involves their core, the Grizzlies could execute this by acquiring an All-Star that would shore up their frontline and offensive schemes. Sabonis has proven to run an offense through him even at the big man position as he could also space up the floor for Morant because of his outside shooting marksmanship.
The weakness of Sabonis is his lateral quickness and anchoring the rim, but Jackson Jr is able to cover up that aspect of Sabonis' game. Jackson Jr. and Sabonis could also work well together because of their versatility and ability to flourish on various roles given by head coach Taylor Jenkins. Pairing Sabonis with Jackson Jr. gives Morant a plethora of options on offense as well because that is an area of excellence for both of his teammates.
Caris LeVert
Caris LeVert has been dismal since the Pacers traded for him last season, but there are some teams that could still bank on his scoring repertoire that he was showcasing in a Brooklyn Nets uniform. It would be ideal for the Pacers to trade him away compared to Sabonis as LeVert would be a remarkable ball handler and shot creator beside Morant in the Memphis backcourt.
LeVert could excel on a sixth man role, but he could be part of some closing lineups for Memphis because of his ability to convert clutch shots and be the individual that could create offensive opportunities when defenses trap Morant on pick and roll situations. His contract is not enormous as it it less than $20 million for the next two years, thus Memphis is not risking their long term future in acquiring a role player like LeVert.
As Memphis is surprising many casual fans with their sensational performance so far, it is vital for their organization to continue improving and evolving to surround Morant with pieces that would make them ecstatic for the long term outlook of his career. Morant is delighted with how Memphis is building around him, and this trade deadline could be a possible approach for their roster to continually improve.
