The Memphis Grizzlies have had a very quiet NBA offseason. With injuries keeping them out of the Western Conference playoffs last season after a back-to-back second-place finish, the Grizzlies believe health is the only thing keeping their roster from finding itself near the top of the standings again.
By selecting Purdue center Zach Edey in the 2024 NBA draft, the Grizzlies chose to address a need, suggesting they are trying to compete next season. Aside from Edey, Memphis did not add any rotation players this summer.
If healthy, the Grizzlies have a solid team, but is it enough to contend for a championship?
Memphis Grizzlies 2024-25 Projected 10-Man Depth Chart:
PG: Morant, Smart
SG: Bane, Kennard
SF: Williams Jr., Jackson II
PF: Jackson Jr., Aldama
C: Edey, ClarkeWhere will they end up? 👀🐻 pic.twitter.com/I1hvVkriVF
— GrizzMuse (@GrizzlyMuse) August 1, 2024
While Memphis likely has a playoff team as it currently stands, they may still be a piece away from true contention in a Western Conference that continues to improve.
One player who could make sense as a potential trade target for the Grizzlies, either this summer or during the season, is New Orleans Pelicans star Brandon Ingram.
In a recent article, Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus He predicted Ingram would be one of the players most involved in trade discussions this season.
“Brandon Ingram is eligible for an extension, entering his final year with the New Orleans Pelicans for $36 million,” Pincus wrote. “The team may prefer to trade him if negotiations are far apart (and the most recent reports suggest a considerable gap).”
Ingram is entering the final season of his five-year, $158 million contract. If his market falls within the Grizzlies’ price range, he could be a great addition to an already high-powered starting lineup.
Just a quick message of appreciation for Brandon Ingram’s mid-range shooting. pic.twitter.com/w4xr7efVQc
— Brett Usher (@UsherNBA) August 14, 2024
The trio of Ja Morant, Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. has never had another scorer like Ingram on the wing.
Averaging 21.3 points over his five seasons with the Pelicans, Ingram could help bolster the Grizzlies’ chances of contending in the Western Conference if he were made available by New Orleans.
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