Less than a month away from this year’s NBA Trade Deadline, the Memphis Grizzlies are a team to monitor. They are 24-13 and own the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference. Furthermore, they rank as a top-10 team on both sides of the court. The Grizzlies are among the best teams in the league. However, given how competitive the West is, it is no surprise that they have interest in adding reinforcements during the season. Before the Brooklyn Nets shipped him out to the Los Angeles Lakers, the Grizzlies were reportedly in on Dorian Finney-Smith. Ultimately, they did not acquire him, but they remain a team to monitor in the trade market regardless as they also have a couple of players that other teams are interested in. However, it seems unlikely the Grizzlies will move on from these top trade candidates.
According to NBA insider Jake Fischer (subscription required), the Grizzlies highly value Marcus Smart and Brandon Clarke. This, according to Fischer, makes it unlikely the team will trade for Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler.
“Memphis has shown some cards around the league that it is looking into consolidation trades, as evidenced by the team’s recent efforts to ship Luke Kennard and John Konchar to Brooklyn for Dorian Finney-Smith. But that would have been a much smaller deal than adding Marcus Smart or Brandon Clarke to the package as would be required for Butler. Smart and Clarke both rank as players Memphis values quite highly, sources said.”
Memphis Grizzlies Value Marcus Smart, Brandon Clarke ‘Quite Highly’ Amidst Trade Rumors
A Grizzlies-Jimmy Butler Trade Is Unlikely
Recently, Butler officially requested a trade from the Heat. At the time, the four likeliest destinations for him were the Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, and Dallas Mavericks. Regardless, the Grizzlies reportedly expressed interest in the Marquette alum. However, the interest was not mutual.
Sources: A few teams have been informed not to trade for Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler. #haynesbriefs pic.twitter.com/200eV8gjxk
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) January 7, 2025
A few teams have been informed not to trade for Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler.
The Memphis Grizzlies along with a few other teams, have received word that Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler has no interest in being traded there.
Additionally, the Grizzlies reportedly also have interest in Nets forward Cameron Johnson, per Marc Stein (subscription required).
League sources say that Indiana is a team to watch in the trade pursuit of Brooklyn’s Cam Johnson. Memphis is another team frequently mentioned as a likely Johnson suitor … although it’s unclear how eager the Grizzlies are to return to the trade table with the Nets in the wake of Brooklyn deciding to swap Dorian Finney-Smith to the Lakers after extensive talks with the Grizz.
The Last Word
Even if they stand pat, the Grizzlies are one of the most complete teams in the NBA. They are fantastic on both sides of the court and are led by star Ja Morant. Whether they make a trade or not remains to be seen. However, either way, the Grizzlies are in a good spot to make a legitimate playoff run later this year.
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