The Memphis Grizzlies season is currently in flames, literally. The Grizzlies currently have one of the most interesting seasons that no one is truly talking about. They are in the beginning process of a complete rebuild and are about to trade the last of the Grit and Grind Grizzlies. The Grizzlies are currently looking for suitors to take Mike Conley and Marc Gasol, for the first time ever.
On Tuesday Grizzlies owner Robert Pera, informed Conley and Gasol that they are actively listening to trade offers for both of them. Gasol was interviewed about these trade talks and said "“I don’t understand why Mike is in those talks either. Mike is one heck of a player, and we’re going to need good players moving forward. I don’t understand why Mike is in this.” Gasol is clearly confused about these trade rumors with Conley. Conley played his entire career there, since being drafted in 2007. The Grizzlies even payed Conley the super-max of 5-year $153 million, which helps signify to the player that the team is intending to keep them. Even though we have seen one team so far trade their super-max player, ex. LA Clippers with Blake Griffin, this felt different. Conley was the first player to receive this deal and at the time he was the highest paid player in NBA history. This sent a message to the league that the Grizzlies are committed to Conley and you can't have him.
Marc Gasol will to be the next player out the door, with this being no surprise at all. In the month of November Gasol was being talked about as an all-star averaging 19.5ppg and 10.3 rebound. These stats had the Grizzlies going into the season not wanting to trade Conley or Gasol, but wanting to have a chance in the playoffs. Unfortunately Gasol has only had a decrease in stats, with in December he averaged 13.1ppg and 7.1rpg, and in January so far he's averaging 12.3ppg and 8.1rpg. Gasol had been dropping in points and his plus/minus in January is currently at -15.9. When Gasol is on the court the Grizzlies are being outscored by almost 16 points!!! It's time for the Grizzlies to consider trading Gasol.
When you trade Gasol you won't ever get the proper return value on him since his stats have decreased significantly. Since you will be traded half of your best players on your team, that leaves he Grizzlies with no choice but to trade Conley.
The Grizzlies were in a situation where they needed to decide on a playoff run or to trade their two franchise players. The decision at the beginning of the year was to make a playoff push, but now the decision is to restart the franchise. The Grizzlies have currently lost their last 13 out of 14 games, with no end of this losing streak in sight. The Grizzlies are currently 14th in the Western Conference. There was an electrical fire in their locker room and this was the perfect metaphor for their season. The Grizzlies are currently on fire with them trying to move into the future by getting rid of their past.
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