After their first-round loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the playoffs, the Memphis Grizzlies have officially shifted their focus to the offseason and what could be next in store for the team.
The Grizzlies have quite a few major decisions to make in the offseason. This is especially true after the team recently announced that big man Zach Edey underwent ankle surgery and will be re-evaluated in four months, meaning there is a chance he misses the beginning of the 2025-26 NBA season (h/t Grizzlies PR on X).
With Edey's outlook for next season a bit uncertain, Memphis may have to bolster its roster to make up for his potential absence. On Friday, a recent report surfaced between the Grizzlies and Portland Trail Blazers that could land them the reinforcement they need.
Memphis Grizzlies center Zach Edey (14).
Memphis Grizzlies center Zach Edey (14).
© Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Once the offseason officially begins, the Grizzlies will be a team to monitor in the trade market as they look to return to the top of the Western Conference and re-establish themselves as title contenders. It remains to be seen who they may pursue, but recent reports have linked them to a current Trail Blazers forward: Deni Avdija (h/t Chris Dodson of Clutch Points).
According to Dodson, the 24-year-old "has emerged as a trade target" for Memphis. However, Dodson also reports that no deal is imminent.
"Although it is understood that no deal is imminent, Deni Avdija (Portland Trail Blazers) has emerged as a trade target for the Grizzlies in multiple conversations with league sources.
In his first season with the Trail Blazers, Avdija averaged 16.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1 steal while shooting 47.6% from the field and 36.5% from the three-point line.
Somebody like Avdija could be a good addition for Memphis. If they do land a trade for him, it would give the Grizzlies the flexibility to move Jaren Jackson Jr. at the center position more often while Edey is out.
While he may not be a flashy name, Avdija might be a fantastic trade target for the Grizzlies. However, because nothing is official just yet, this will be something worth monitoring throughout the offseason.