Memphis Grizzlies Reportedly Eyeing Israeli Forward In Trade

The Memphis Grizzlies had a nice bounce-back season after a difficult 2023-24 campaign. With Memphis three stars under contract for the upcoming season, the Grizzlies are looking to add pieces around the edges. One potential target for the Grizzlies is Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija.

“Portland Trail Blazers small forward Deni Avdija has emerged as a trade target for the Memphis Grizzlies in multiple conversations with league sources,” said Clutch Points Chris Dodson. “Conventional wisdom and recent NBA Playoffs results suggest the Grizzlies do not need another superstar to contend; Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr. just need the right finishing piece to maximize their potential. It seems EVP/GM Zach Kleiman sees the benefits of that approach with new head coach Tuomas Iisalo at the helm with the interest in Avdija.”

Memphis Grizzlies Reportedly Eyeing Israeli Forward In Trade

A year after winning just 27 games, Memphis finished eighth in the Western Conference with a 48-34 record despite star point guard Ja Morant missing 32 games. While the 21-game improvement is an achievement, the Grizzlies struggled down the stretch.

Memphis went 10-13 from March 1 on, which was just the 18th-best record in the league during this stretch, including losing 11 of their last 18. Health was a significant factor for the Grizzlies, as no player appeared in all 23 contests, with Morant missing 10 of those final games. Vince Williams Jr. and GG Jackson missed a combined 106 games.

Still, Memphis made the playoffs for the fourth time in five years after defeating Dallas to earn the Western Conference’s eighth seed in the final game of the Western Conference Play-In Tournament. However, the shorthanded Grizzlies were dispatched easily by Oklahoma City in the first round of the playoffs. The Thunder swept the Grizzlies, winning the four games by nearly 20 points a game as Memphis averaged 100 points for the series.

Grizzlies Potential

Despite Memphis’  poor finish to the season, the Grizzlies do have a lot to look forward to under first-year coach  Tuomas Iisalo. The Grizzlies were one of the deepest teams and had one of the top benches in the league.

Memphis used 23 different starting lineups this past season. The Grizzlies’ most common starting unit — Morant, Jackson, Bane, Jaylen Wells, Zach Edey — were 13-12. This group of five players was +24.9 points per 100 possessions.

Jackson was an NBA All-Star for the second time in his career and is one of the top two bigs in the league. Bane was healthy for the first time in three seasons, appearing in 69 contests, while Santi Aldama and Scotty Pippen Jr. continued their development. Wells and Edey were pleasant surprises as both players earned first-team All-Rookie team honors.

Memphis had the sixth-best offense, and the Grizzlies were 11th in defensive rating. The Grizzlies were one of the best offensive-rebounding teams in the NBA, although they struggled on the defensive boards. Turnovers, transition defense, and 3-point shooting are areas where the Griz need to improve.

Depth at small forward and center are the Grizzlies’ biggest positions that need to be addressed.

Memphis has 11 players on standard contracts with a salary cap hit of $135.93 million. The Grizzlies are over $19 million under the cap. Aldama, Cam Spencer (two-way player), and Yuki Kawamura (two-way) are restricted free agents.  Meanwhile, Marvin Bagley III., Luke Kennard, and Lamar Stevens are unrestricted free agents.

Deni Avdija’s Fit With Memphis