The Memphis Grizzlies seem ready to make it to the playoffs this season after finishing with a 27-55 record in 2023-24. They may try to add a key player on the wing to improve their chances as the season moves forward.
Sam Vecenie from The Athletic reported on Sunday that Memphis “is in the market for a big wing with a defensive edge.”
With this in mind, Vecenie mentioned the Grizzlies as his “favorite wild-card” in the possible Jimmy Butler trade and pointed out that the team showed interest in Dorian Finney-Smith before the Los Angeles Lakers acquired him.
Butler, who was suspended by the Miami Heat and is available for trade, would be a huge addition that could completely change the team’s performance on the court. The six-time All-Star would become another key player alongside Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., and would also be able to defend the opposing team’s best wing player each game.
However, the Grizzlies may not need to make such a big move to improve their situation.
They are currently 23-13 and tied for second place in the Western Conference. Even a small improvement on the wing could raise their potential and would likely cost less than a trade for Butler.
It’s not surprising that they’re looking for help on the wing, as they could face bigger, stronger players like LeBron James, Luka Dončić, Kawhi Leonard, Anthony Edwards, Kevin Durant, and others in the Western Conference playoffs.
Morant and Jackson provide the Grizzlies with strong players in both the backcourt and frontcourt. Adding a wing who can take some of the defensive pressure off their shoulders would definitely be a positive development for the team.
