The Memphis Grizzlies are reported to be involved in the Kevin Durant sweepstakes.
As of late, trade talks between the Brooklyn Nets and Durant’s preferred teams have stalled, with the Nets’ demand of star players in return not being met.
For example, the Celtics have not significantly increased their offer from what was originally on the table (Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, and picks) and have not had serious discussions for a while.
The Toronto Raptors still will not include Rookie of the Year Scottie Barnes in a deal; the Heat would not include Bam Adebayo in a trade offer.
Now, enter a new team, the Memphis Grizzlies.
Here is what Shams Charania of The Athletic reported:
“Recently, a new team has shown interest in Durant: the Memphis Grizzlies, league sources tell The Athletic. Fresh off a 56-win season, the Grizzlies have made new inquiries to the Nets about Durant, those sources added. Memphis has five first-round draft picks available (four unprotected selections of its own and one protected via Golden State in 2024) to theoretically utilize in a trade as well as young players like Jaren Jackson Jr., Desmond Bane, Ziaire Williams, Brandon Clarke, Kennedy Chandler, and David Roddy…”
“The Grizzlies will not include Jackson or Bane in a potential offer for Durant, sources said, but rather a package built around their bevy of draft picks.”
It makes sense for the Grizzlies to throw their hat in the ring when it comes to a talent like Durant.
However, this offer does not meet the Nets’ sky-high asking price for Durant.
Brooklyn wants an under-25 All-Star level player at the front of the package and if Jackson and Bane are out of the question (as is Ja Morant, obviously), the best player the Grizzlies could include is 26-year-old Dillon Brooks, who is not an All-Star and is older than Brooklyn prefers.
To make the salaries match, Steven Adams and Danny Green (out with a torn ACL) would have to be included in the trade.
Memphis already sees itself on the path to a title.
They finished second in the West last season and pushed the Warriors to six games in the playoffs with a young roster.
Would the Grizzlies risk that trajectory and potential to trade for a 34-year-old Durant?
It will be interesting to see where the KD saga goes from here.
The Grizzlies, meanwhile, will prepare with their young and talented core to make a run once again in the upcoming season.