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NBA Trade Deadline 2018: Winners and losers

By Brandon Jefferson

CLEVELAND, OH - FEBRUARY 7: LeBron James
CLEVELAND, OH - FEBRUARY 7: LeBron James /
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NEW ORLEANS, LA – JANUARY 20: Tyreke Evans #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies stands on the court during the first half of a NBA game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on January 20, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – JANUARY 20: Tyreke Evans #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies stands on the court during the first half of a NBA game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on January 20, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /

Loser: Tyreke Evans

Tyreke Evans was the main member of the Memphis Grizzlies that was readily available on the trade market as the trade window opened. However, when it closed Evans was not the player that the Grizzlies moved on Thursday. That honor was bestowed upon James Ennis, who was sent to the Detroit Pistons for Brice Johnson and a second round pick.

After being shut down a week ago to prevent an injury, it looked like a guarantee that Evans would be elsewhere — likely on a contender too — by the end of the trade deadline. Yet, as of this article, Evans is still in Memphis. Evans has had a resurgence this season after settling for a one-year deal with the Grizzlies this offseason; he’s posted his best numbers since his rookie year in Sacramento. The thought was he had played so well that he put himself on the radar to be picked up by a contender at the deadline. That didn’t happen.

Memphis bid its time hoping that someone would eventually meet their demands (a first round pick), but in the end, the most anyone was willing to offer as draft compensation was two second round selections.

Usually, in situations like this, the player has the option of pursuing a buyout with their current team and can then pick where they end up next. Yet, as mentioned earlier, Evans’ contract with Memphis only lasts for one season and that makes the proposition of agreeing to terms on a buyout much harder for both sides.

Most players that get bought out have multiple years left on their deal and it allows both sides to meet in the middle in regard to how much money is left on the table. I don’t foresee Evans wanting to leave any of his $3.29 million when his other choice is to collect his money and continue to excel in Memphis and cash in on the open market this summer.

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