5 Best Players The Memphis Grizzlies Can Land With The Package Around Their No. 9 Overall Pick

Potential Trade Offer For Mikal Bridges: 2024 No. 9 overall pick, 2026 first-round pick, Luke Kennard, Ziaire Williams

The Brooklyn Nets are in the midst of a rebuild, having finished the 2023-24 season with a 34-48 record, which placed them 11th in the Eastern Conference. With a focus on the future, the Nets could greatly benefit from acquiring two first-round picks, along with players like Luke Kennard and Ziaire Williams, who could contribute immediately while also offering long-term potential. This trade would provide the Nets with the young talent and draft assets they need to build a successful team in the coming years.

Mikal Bridges, known for his defensive tenacity and offensive versatility, would be a perfect match for the gritty playing style of the Memphis Grizzlies. Last season, Bridges played in all 82 games, averaging 19.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists, showcasing his ability to impact the game in multiple areas. His skills as a two-way player would bring a new dimension to the Grizzlies, enhancing both their offense and defense.

On defense, Bridges' ability to guard multiple positions and his prowess in perimeter defense would complement the existing strengths of Marcus Smart and Jaren Jackson Jr., creating a more robust defensive lineup for the Grizzlies. Offensively, his efficiency from beyond the arc and scoring versatility would mesh well with Ja Morant’s playmaking and Desmond Bane’s sharpshooting, making the team more dynamic and challenging to defend against.

Integrating Bridges into the Grizzlies’ lineup would solidify their defensive unit while also boosting their offensive firepower. This strategic addition would balance the team's capabilities, enabling them to compete more effectively in the highly competitive Western Conference and move closer to becoming a championship-contending team.

2. Lauri Markkanen

Potential Trade Offer For Lauri Markkanen: 2024 No. 9 overall pick, 2026 first-round pick, Brandon Clarke, Ziaire Williams

The Utah Jazz are pivoting towards rebuilding, reflected in their 31-51 record last season. Trading Lauri Markkanen could be key to their strategy, potentially bringing in two first-round picks plus young talents like Brandon Clarke and Ziaire Williams to revitalize their squad.

For the Memphis Grizzlies, adding Markkanen could significantly boost their lineup. He averaged 23.2 points and 8.2 rebounds last season, showcasing his ability to score both inside and outside the paint. His skill set would allow the Grizzlies to use him as either a power forward or center, giving them flexibility to adjust their frontcourt depending on the matchup.

Markkanen's impact would be felt on both ends of the court. Offensively, his shooting range could help space the floor, making it easier for Ja Morant to operate and opening up the offense. On defense, his size and rebounding ability would help shore up the interior, complementing Jaren Jackson Jr.'s versatility.

Incorporating Markkanen would not only address immediate needs but also enhance the Grizzlies' ability to adapt and compete against the diverse play styles in the Western Conference.

3. Deandre Ayton

Potential Trade Offer For Deandre Ayton: 2024 No. 9 overall pick, Luke Kennard, Brandon Clarke, Santi Aldama

The Portland Trail Blazers, ending their season with a record of 21-61, are looking to rebuild. They hold the 7th pick in the upcoming draft and aim to strengthen their roster with young talent and additional draft capital. A trade involving Deandre Ayton, which would bring in the Grizzlies' 9th overall pick along with several promising players, fits well with Portland's future-focused strategy.

For Memphis, Ayton would offer a significant boost in the paint. Last season, he averaged 16.7 points and 11.1 rebounds per game, showcasing his ability to dominate the boards and protect the rim. Pairing Ayton with Jaren Jackson Jr. would create a dynamic defensive duo that could alter the interior game for the Grizzlies.

Ayton's presence would also enhance Memphis's offensive game. His efficiency around the basket and his skill in pick-and-roll scenarios would mesh well with Ja Morant's explosive style of play, providing Morant with more options and forcing defenses to adjust. This could lead to more open shots and driving lanes, improving the overall flow and effectiveness of the Grizzlies' offense.

Adding Ayton to the lineup would not only solidify the center position but also give the Grizzlies a dependable two-way player capable of making significant impacts in crucial games. His experience in high-stakes situations, including playoff games, would bring a valuable veteran presence to a relatively young team aiming to climb higher in the competitive Western Conference.

4. Jerami Grant

Potential Trade Offer For Jerami Grant: 2024 No. 9 overall pick, Luke Kennard, Brandon Clarke

Jerami Grant snagged a hefty five-year, $160 million contract with the Portland Trail Blazers last year, but with the team tanking this season (a dismal 21-61 record), they might be looking to shed some salary and pick up some new assets. That makes Grant a prime trade candidate.

Grant's a versatile guy, playing comfortably as either a small or power forward, and he's got the stats to prove it, racking up an average of 21.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game this season. His dynamic play style and ability to defend multiple positions would mesh well with the Grizzlies’ tough, gritty approach to the game.

On the court, Grant’s a major offensive threat—he can knock down shots from the perimeter, take it to the rim, and create plays on his own. Defensively, he brings a lot to the table too, covering various positions and adding another layer of strength to Memphis's lineup.

Bringing Jerami Grant to the Grizzlies would fill a big gap for a versatile forward who can juggle both scoring and defense. For Portland, moving him could free up some much-needed cap space and bring in fresh, promising players to help kickstart their rebuild.

5. Clint Capela

Potential Trade Offer For Clint Capela: 2024 No. 9 overall pick, Luke Kennard, Brandon Clarke

The Atlanta Hawks have snagged the No. 1 pick in the upcoming draft, putting them in a sweet spot to shake things up big time. With a top pick already in their pocket and the chance to grab another high-value prospect at No. 9, they could really reshape their roster. Plus, with Onyeka Okongwu stepping up his game, Clint Capela's becoming more of a luxury than a necessity.

For the Memphis Grizzlies, grabbing someone like Capela could be a game-changer. The guy's a machine in the paint, pulling down 10.6 rebounds and blocking 1.5 shots per game last season, not to mention his solid 11.5 points per game. He's exactly the kind of seasoned center that could solidify the Grizzlies' lineup, offering both stellar defense and efficient scoring.

Capela’s knack for rebounding and protecting the rim would give Memphis's defense a major boost. He's a beast when it comes to controlling the paint, and his shot-altering ability could really tighten up the Grizzlies’ defensive game. On offense, Capela shines in the pick-and-roll, and pairing him with a dynamic playmaker like Ja Morant could lead to some smooth buckets, keeping the offense flowing nicely.

Adding Capela to the mix would not only beef up the Grizzlies' defense but also add a reliable scoring option under the basket. His veteran presence and proven skills would bring some much-needed depth to their frontcourt. This trade would let Jaren Jackson Jr. play more flexibly, enhancing the team's overall dynamics and adaptability.