Reporting on Monday suggested the Grizzlies were among the teams discussing the possibility of pursuing Jimmy Butler, but a Tuesday report stated that Memphis has been advised not to trade for the 35-year-old, who is allegedly uninterested in joining the Western Conference’s current No. 3 seed.
If that puts an end to the idea of the Grizzlies acquiring Butler, what are the most logical alternatives on the trade market for the front office? Damichael Cole of The Memphis Commercial Appeal weighs that question, suggesting three possible paths for the team.
Checking in on Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram is one option the Grizzlies could consider, according to Cole, who says focusing on Nets forward Cameron Johnson might also make sense for a team that could use an upgrade on the wing.
Of course, standing pat and seeing how this version of the team performs down the stretch and in the postseason is another viable route, Cole writes, noting that it could benefit the Grizzlies to take a longer look at youngsters like GG Jackson and Vince Williams once they’re healthy.
Here’s more out of Memphis:
- Speaking of Jackson, he appears to be nearing his season debut after recovering from offseason surgery on his right foot. The Grizzlies announced on Tuesday (via Twitter) that the second-year forward was assigned to the Memphis Hustle to participate in today’s practice.
- Grizzlies star Ja Morant has been out of his sling for at least four days and is doing more on-court work as he moves closer to a return from his shoulder injury, Cole writes for The Commercial Appeal. “It is going to be on the shorter term than the longer term,” head coach Taylor Jenkins said on Monday. “He is making progress. I cannot pinpoint a game, but I don’t think that it will be much longer.”
- In two more Commercial Appeal stories, Cole examines Jaren Jackson Jr.‘s growing case for All-Star consideration and details a memorable day for brothers Cam Spencer of the Grizzlies and Pat Spencer of the Warriors, who shared the same NBA court for the first time on Saturday in Golden State and even spent a few possessions guarding one another.
- Grizzlies point guard Scotty Pippen Jr. recently spoke to Grant Afseth of RG.org about stepping into a starting role with Morant sidelined, why and how he’s succeeded in Memphis, and the lessons he learned from his Hall-of-Fame father Scottie Pippen, among other topics.
I think Griz will sink down to Grant/Kuzma murky territory, after a deep dive into Grant and some vomiting I could see Smart and La Ravia for Kuz if Kuz picks it up the next couple weeks – 2 second rders is all Wiz would get
I think any team pondering those 2 should first check in on Rui who is on a much better contract and sadly probably gettable. I think Lakers should hold but you never can trust the Jeanie/Rob crew
Butler doesn’t care about winning.
Neither does Steve Kerr or Andrew Wiggins, Jimmy gunna be a perfect fit in GSW
Playoff Jimmy isn’t just a nickname, Butler lives it. Butler cares about winning. He leaves it on the court when it matters. Butler’s numbers almost always get better in the playoffs and get better the deeper his teams go.
Go watch game 5 of the 2020 NBA finals. Butler played all but 48 seconds of the game. He had a 35 pt triple double and scored the last 11 points for the Heat. He had to prop himself up with the retaining wall on the sidelines just to catch his breath to sink 2 game deciding free throws. In game 3 he had a 40 point triple double. In that game he played almost 45 minutes. He averaged 43 mpg for the series.
His stats weren’t as impressive in the 2023 finals because Adebayo had came into his own and Butler actually had some help. What’s impressive about that run is that he lead the team to finals as a 7th seed.
It’s clear Butler wants to stay in the East where he can take half a season off and make the play in…
That must be why they say his preferred destinations are Phoenix, Golden State, Houston and Dallas.
I don’t think Butler is a huge upgrade for the grizzlies anyways.
You’ve got two elite defenders in Smart and JJJ and you’ve got Ja running the show with Bane as a nice second option.
Jimmy would’ve likely been a third option that can’t shoot and defensively is he an upgrade on smart? Not really…
I think Cam Johnson would be a better target for Memphis if you want to upgrade. He is an alright defender, really good shooter and would fill in nicely as a third/fourth option with JJJ.
I don’t think Brooklyn would care about Smart in a return maybe Kennard as an expiring deal and GG Jackson as a young talent but they’d likely want a first aswell. Then for salary matching you’d have to give up Clarke which is fine but might involve a third team.
Memphis with Ja Bane Johnson JJJ Edey and bench of Pippen Smart Wells Aldama and either Huff or LaRavia, that’s much better than any Jimmy trade.
Assuming he’s in any semblance of health, Jimmy’s real value will be in the playoffs.
Jimmy turns up a few notches in the playoffs, he gets buckets. I think Morant may have that ability to take over games when his team needs it but we know Butler does.
Honestly this is Cam Johnson’s best destination I have heard so far. He fits perfectly as their starting SF. Smart, Konchar and picks. Nets then flip Smart to another team
Cam fits perfectly in Memphis
I said Ingram to Memphis a couple months ago. He fits there age timeline. Find a C(25-26) to start for a season so Edey can develop a year
Smart, Konchar,Jake L and picks for Ingram and that C(25-26). Then sign Bismack Biyombo and Lamar Stevans
Valanciunas
Konchar, Jake L and a 2nd for Valanciunas. Then sign a veteran SF. It would work too
The Grizz should take their time and see what Edey will become…
They’re surprising this year, but still young… They do not need to cash in on youth for a older star right now…
I would keep Smart
Konchar, Jake L and a 2nd for Valanciunas. Then sign a veteran SF. It would work too if keeping Smart