One trade every NBA team needs to make
By Tom West
Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies are the perfect example of a team who have hit their ceiling. The grit and grind days of the Grizz that we’ve grown accustomed to in recent years are over, as they’ve fallen to 15th in defensive efficiency. The core of Marc Gasol, Zach Randolph, Mike Conley and Tony Allen has always been a fierce, tough and overlooked as a contender in the West, but that’s really all they’ve been: a fringe contender.
This season is another realization of that, and nothing is going change if they don’t make some moves.
Even though a trade won’t fix all their problems and take them to the level of teams like the Thunder or even Clippers, one possible target is Tyreke Evans of the Pelicans.
Who, according John Reid of Nola.com, could be traded:
"With the trade deadline looming on Feb. 18, the New Orleans Pelicans general manager Dell Demps continues to listen to offers, sources say. The Pelicans are no longer reluctant about trading starting point guard Tyreke Evans. Though he is talented, capable of beating any defender to the basket, he doesn’t appear to be the right fit at point guard. Alvin Gentry wants quick ball movement, but Evans has the tendency to burn off valuable seconds off the 24-second clock to get himself in position to make a driving shot in the lane."
As Reid mentions, Evans hasn’t been an ideal option running the point at times for the Pelicans as they continue to play Jrue Holiday from the bench. However, for Memphis, a team that lacks isolation scorers or players that excel at driving to the basket, Evans could be a good offensive pickup.
Current fit aside, Evans is still a valuable player. The Pelicans are going to want a fair return, meaning the Grizzlies may have to package together a couple of notable players (Jeff Green for one) in order to make something happen.
Green and another role player would be a perfectly fair deal for the Pelicans, as he’s proven that despite consistency issues, he can still score and come up with go-to clutch plays at times. Also, if things don’t work out, the Pelicans need not worry as he’s on an expiring $9.2 million contract.
Next: Los Angeles Clippers