5 Possible Trade Targets
Memphis Major Trade Asset
Own 1st round pick
Utah 1st round pick (protected 1-5, currently they are 9-12)
Dillon Brooks - 78 ovr, 12.2 million under contract for next year
Justice Winslow - 76 ovr, 13 million expiring contract
6.5 Million in cap space
Memphis Minor Trade Asset
Grayson Allen - 76 overall, 4.2 million expiring
De'Anthony Melton - 78 ovr, 8.4 million for multiple years
Kyle Anderson -76 ovr, 9.9 million expiring contract
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Kris Middleton
Per 36 stats PPG 22.2, REB 6.7, AST 5.6, STL 1.3, FG% 46, 3% 38, FT% 93
Rough Trade Value 4*
Rough Trade Package Brooks, Winslow, Allen, Melton, 1st round pick
Why It Doesn't Make Sense
This one is the least likely so we will talk about it first. The bucks are coming off a championship and currently 16-7 so trading their 2nd best player who is under contract for a while is questionable. Trading him in the offseason after a failed repeat could make more sense.
Why It Does Make Sense
With Ginnas under contract for a long time and a title in the bag now may be the time to look long term. This roster over achieved and its gotten a lot worse since last year. Its a old roster Lopez and D.J both took big steps back and are under contract for another year. Bobby Portis is on another team. Divincenzo and Connaughton are just guys so not really key role players. Jrue is in the final year of his deal and is over 30 and has started to decline as well. I don't think they want to pay him 30 million per and have a way out as he helped them win a ring. This would allow them to hit the reset button and get much younger with role players and 1st round picks. Kris is now 30 and has 2 more years remaining at huge $.
What He Brings To Memphis
A two player that can defend and score at all 3 levels. Mullin would start at the 2 as Kris is a 3/4 where Memphis needs more of a 2/3. The former all star is the best player they can bring in this trade deadline.
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Matisse Thybulle
Per 36 stats PPG 9.1, REB 2.7, AST 1.1, STL 2.5, BLK 1.1, FG% 36, 3% 29, FT% 52
Rough Trade Value 3*
Rough Trade Package Allen or Melton, 1st round pick
Why It Doesn't Make Sense
Philly doesn't have mid tier salaries to trade and Memphis doesn't want Tobas Harris. So your not going to be able to do a 3 for 1 time trade. If your going to trade a 1st and a quality player for him then you kinda need to start him and play him 25 minutes per game. The difference of going from Melton to him may not be that big of a leap.
Why It Does Make Sense
Philly has enough defense with Ben, Joel and this years 1st round pick. They could use some more offense firepower or just replace him with Melton and get a 1st round pick Kerr.
What He Brings To Memphis
He is the best young defense player in the game and one of the very few true defense specialist in the league. With a lot of offense on the team you don't need your 5th starter to be able to score. He would be super valuable come playoff time when defense and matchups matter more.
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Zach Lavine
Per 36 stats PPG 23.3, REB 6.1, AST 5.5, STL 1.4, FG% 43, 3% 37, FT% 79
Rough Trade Value 3.5*
Rough Trade Package Winslow, Allen, 1st round pick
Why It Doesn't Make Sense
Chicago can probably get two 1st from someone and Memphis isn't likely to give up both because his defense. Memphis doesn't need any scoring and if someone gets hurt they can just play Konchar.
Why It Does Make Sense
He has to be traded they just drafted a SG in the top 5 and its time for them to shake things up.
What He Brings To Memphis
He is a great offense player still in his prime that can score from all kind of ways. Memphis has plenty of cap space to sign him to a long term deal.
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Eric Bledsoe
Per 36 stats PPG 16.1, REB 3.9, AST 7.3, STL 1.4, FG% 43, 3% 34, FT% 66
Rough Trade Value 2.5*
Rough Trade Package Anderson, Allen, lottery protected 1st round pick
Why It Doesn't Make Sense
The bigger issue for them is trading Ball so they might not want to trade both starting G's while a lock to make the playoffs again. He has a team option so they could just decline that since they aren't going to get a major asset back for him.
Why It Does Make Sense
He is 32 and his play is declining so trading a 1st round pick even if its a lottery protected one for a rental is questionable.
What He Brings To Memphis
A quality player that is a two player and can fit in without having to be the star. If a injury was to happen then he would be the safe and cheap option.
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Victor Oladipo
Per 36 stats PPG 23.3, REB 6.1, AST 5.5, STL 1.4, FG% 43, 3% 37, FT% 79
Rough Trade Value 3.5*
Rough Trade Package Brooks, Winslow, Allen, 1st round pick
Why It Doesn't Make Sense
How much of a upgrade is he over Brooks ? Will he keep up this level of play for the next 2 years? It weakens your bench as Houston doesn't have other players you want.
Why It Does Make Sense
Houston is tanking this year and have their own 1st plus more draft picks. This is the year for them to tank as they out right have their own 1st. He just signed a 3 year deal at 30 million per this past offseason.
What He Brings To Memphis
Memphis would get a #1 defense option that can also score while having just enough shooting ability. He would slide into your starting 2 spot and your lineup would be set for the next few years.