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Memphis Grizzlies
Sep 8, 2025 10:49 PM EDT
After finishing with one of the worst records in the NBA the season prior, the Memphis Grizzlies were able to bounce back last season as they finished eighth in the Western Conference.
Unfortunately for the Grizzlies, they were swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round and they entered the offseason looking to make moves.
Desmond Bane, Memphis Grizzlies, Dallas Mavericks
Source: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Memphis began their summer by trading Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, who they waived, and multiple first-round picks.
The Grizzlies also lost Luke Kennard in free agency but they did sign Jaren Jackson Jr. to a massive contract extension, added Ty Jerome in free agency and selected Cedric Coward in the 2025 draft.
Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr.
Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. — Source: © Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
With Ja Morant and Jackson Jr. leading the way, the Grizzlies are looking to be a contender in the West this season, though they could elect to make moves ahead of the trade deadline and if that is the case, these three players could be potential trade candidates.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
Orlando Magic guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope — Source: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
After signing with the Magic last offseason, Caldwell-Pope put together arguably the worst season of his NBA career since his rookie year.
Of course, the 32-year-old guard was acquired by the Grizzlies in the Bane trade this summer and while he could be a solid replacement for Bane, Memphis could also look to move him this season.
Caldwell-Pope is a solid 3-and-D player, though his struggles last season along with his massive contract could make it difficult for the Grizzlies to move him ahead of the deadline.
Brandon Clarke
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) makes a shot over Dallas Mavericks center Dwight Powell (7) — Source: © Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Brandon Clarke has been a solid player for the Grizzlies during his six seasons with them, though he has struggled with injuries over his career.
The 28-year-old forward has played in more than 60 games just twice during his six years in the NBA, including last season where he tied the most games he’s played in a season with 64.
Due to Clarke’s injury history, along with his decrease in minutes last season, Memphis could look to move him ahead of the deadline, though it would be a major risk for another team to make a deal for him.
John Konchar
John Konchar
Memphis Grizzlies guard John Konchar (46) brings the ball up court against Brooklyn Nets guard Dennis Schroder (17) — Source: © Brad Penner-Imagn Images
The Grizzlies reportedly received many calls regarding John Konchar ahead of last season’s trade deadline but they instead elected to keep him.
That could change this season as many teams around the NBA have shown interest in the 29-year-old guard due to his scoring off the bench.
Of course, the Grizzlies could also look to keep him against this season but if they struggle to begin the year, Konchar could be on the move ahead of the deadline.
While the Grizzlies could look to move these players, it will all depend on how they begin the season as they try to make a run at a top seed in the West behind their star duo of Morant and Jackson Jr.
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