Whole Truth wrote:SD2042 wrote:Here's a question with the trade deadline coming up in two weeks, do any of you see a potential deal for the Grizzlies to considering making towards improving any areas of concerns for the long term?
For me, this Memphis team only needs to find an upgrade on the wing to slot in between & compliment 3J, Ja. So I don't think a trade needs to be forced with the position they're in. It's possible, they could even luck into a top 5 pick, to rush into any decisions at the deadline outside the obvious ageing/expiring contract of Dieng, who's a healthy scratch despite playing well. That issue will only be compounded by 3J's return after the break despite the heavy schedule.
IMO, Memphis has caught a break with the 40 games in 60 days 2nd half. They can effectively use their quality depth in "rest days" on back to backs to fully experiment with lineups & player combinations so when they do make their decisions moving forward, it will be with a significant amount of experimentation & data, unless of course it's a favorable deal... not some late or second round pick. As I've seen tossed out for Jonas & Anderson, who's IMO been Memphis best 2 way player so far this season.
I've also read some Memphis fans throwing around picks targeting Fournier. To me he's Brooks without the defense. A better offensive player that has the same tunnel vision but nowhere near the defense & competitive nature of Brooks. I'd have no interest in Fournier despite Memphis need for an offensive upgrade.
If it's not a reasonable deal for someone like Beal or Lavine, the draft, potentially trading up, is the clear path to upgrading the wing, IMO.
With the Grizzlies in the position they are in, I don't think the playoffs is the major aim for this season. It's about bidding more time to get them ready for playoff action. Especially if according to your theory that they may focus on lineup experiments and combos to create more chemistry within the team.
As for Fournier, as much I can appreciate how far he has come as a player. He is not the answer for the Grizzlies. With the Magic, it's understandable that he makes for a second option given the structure of the Magic is currently. On a contender, he's a fourth or fifth option at best. Fournier does not fit the Grizzlies current youth lineup. Plus, he doesn't add enough elementals to the team backcourt in the long term.