The Memphis Grizzlies have found their name in trade rumors several times this season. The third seed in the West has been linked to several players, and new reports are the Memphis Grizzlies want Cam Johnson.
Grizzlies Look to Steal Thunder’s Trade Candidate
Per Marc Stein, the Memphis Grizzlies are one of three teams that are strong candidates for Nets’ Cam Johnson. The other two are the Indiana Pacers and the Sacramento Kings. The NBA insider, however, warns that the Grizzlies might be reluctant to get in talks with the Nets again. The Grizzlies had several conversations with the Nets about Dorian Finney-Smith, but the Nets pivoted and sent him to the Lakers instead.
Now, the Grizzlies might play the spoiler. The Oklahoma City Thunder have been mentioned previously as a destination for the Nets forward. Yet, the Thunder might want to wait until the January 15 trade restriction to trade players like Aaron Wiggins and Isaiah Joe. If the Grizzlies act swiftly, they can steal Thunder’s top trade candidate.
Is Cam Johnson a Consolation Prize for Memphis?
The Grizzlies are also among the teams mentioned for a Jimmy Butler trade. According to the latest trading odds by DraftKings Sportsbook, the Grizzlies are favorites to land the Miami Heat’s forward.
At the same time, they are trying to see if there are Options B, C, and D out there. Should they miss out on Butler, the Grizzlies can surely pivot toward Cam Johnson. Or, if they feel like they are out of the race, they can act sooner. Johnson is a younger player who fits their timeline better than Jimmy Butler. Of course, Jimmy has several All-Star appearances, but he is 35 years old and looking for a max contract.
Do the Memphis Grizzlies Have Enough to Trade for Cam Johnson?
One of the reasons why the Grizzlies have been mentioned as a team for Jimmy Butler is their pot of assets. The Grizzlies have all of their own picks in the next seven years, plus a couple of second-round picks. They also have a first coming from either Phoenix or Washington in 2030.
As for players, they can add young players like Santi Aldama and can make salaries work with a combination of Brandon Clarke, Luke Kennard, John Konchar, and Marcus Smart.
Do the Grizzlies Need Cam Johnson?
Cam Johnson has quietly become the top trade candidate on the market this season. Any team that misses out on Jimmy Butler will surely look for Johnson as a replacement. The Grizzlies have used Aldama as a power forward, but they could use an upgrade at the position. Johnson brings better efficiency from behind the arc. Memphis is in the top 10 in three-point attempts and makes, and 11th in percentage. Bringing Johnson in would improve their efficiency and give them another great player in the starting lineup.
It all depends on whether the Grizzlies want to go all-in on Cam Johnson or try and get Jimmy Butler. Time is of the essence here, as the Grizzlies will have strong competition with each passing day. While they have plenty of draft capital to offer, if the OKC Thunder get into the bidding war, they can top any offer.
The post Grizzlies Look to Steal Thunder’s Trade Candidate appeared first on Last Word On Basketball.