The Memphis Grizzlies are a young team on the precipice of attaining championship glory. However, the Grizzlies may need one more piece to get them there.
The Grizzlies are led by a dynamic star point guard in Ja Morant, the former 2023 Defensive Player of the Year and reigning All-Star in Jaren Jackson Jr., and a legitimate ancillary scorer in Desmond Bane. Memphis upgrading at center with rookie Zach Edey has also given them incredible size, rim protection and scoring in the interior. However, the one thing they don’t have is a player who has been to the NBA mountaintop and can bring veteran balance to their ensemble.
That’s what Milwaukee Bucks star Khris Middleton can do for the Grizzlies. Middleton is up for trade with only a week to go before the Feb. 6 deadline, and Memphis can go after him.
The three-time All-Star has battled a litany of injuries over the last three seasons, where his scoring has plummeted to 14.4 points per game in that span from the 19.3 PPG he boasted over the course of the seven previous campaigns. Albeit, Memphis would not need him to be a high-volume scorer to solidify their contending unit. The South Carolina native has a proven track record of clutch play in the playoffs. He could be a talent that Memphis goes to late in games to sink big shots, as well as one that can distribute at an elite level at his position.
The former 2021 NBA champion could also provide the Grizzlies with an option that can stop runs. His patient style of play and high IQ could help their fast-paced unit play with a different speed when necessary — a void that counteracted their youth in prior playoff series.
Seeing that Milwaukee will likely have to include a future 2031 first-round pick to convince a team to take on his contract, as Forbes’ Evan Sidery recently reported, Memphis could absorb the remaining $65.6 million he’s on the books for until 2025-26, while inheriting a title-worthy piece and valuable draft stock all in one swoop. In turn, the Grizzlies could parlay a mix of Marcus Smart, Brandon Clarke and John Konchar to give the Bucks talent that can help their win-now team as well.
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