Two contenders in their respective conferences have made their first improving moves of the 2022 offseason. The Philadelphia 76ers and the Memphis Grizzlies engaged in a trade revolving the former's 23rd pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. Philly is sending the 23rd pick along with Danny Green to the Grizzlies for De'Anthony Melton. (via Shams Charania)
Both the Sixers and the Grizzlies were top contenders that saw their season end in the second-round. With injuries to both of their star players (Joel Embiid and Ja Morant), both teams failed to make it to the Conference Finals last season. Now, they're hoping that they can make these little improving moves to get them over the hump.
The Sixers arguably had their best chance at a title last season. Trading for James Harden and the emergence of Tyrese Maxey made them an instant threat in the Eastern Conference. However, they were knocked out of contention by the Miami Heat after Embiid's unfortunate injuries against the Raptors in the first round.
The Grizzlies, on the other hand, skyrocketed their way to the top of the Western Conference last season. However, their youth came back to bite them against the Golden State Warriors. This trade with the Sixers is their way of adding some veteran voices in their locker room with Danny Green.
As for the Sixers, De'Anthony Melton will figure to add to their stacked guard lineup with Maxey and Harden. He will likely serve as the backup for the team behind the star duo. We'll see if the team makes more moves as the off-season roars to life.
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