NBA Trade Rumors: Grizzlies closing in on Nets’ $14.9 million forward in major trade deadline move

It appears that the Memphis Grizzlies could secure a trade with the Brooklyn Nets before the NBA trade deadline. According to Brett Siegel, Memphis is targeting Brooklyn's forward Dorian Finney-Smith. The Nets forward is now in the third year of his four-year contract. He is expected to make $14.9 million this season. Finney-Smith has a total of $30.3 million remaining in his contract.

The Grizzlies could reportedly trade two players for Finney-Smith. Brett Siegel reported that John Konchar and Luke Kennard are Memphis' potential trade pieces if they decide to negotiate with Brooklyn.

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Looking at Grizzlies' performance in 2024-25 season

NBA: Memphis Grizzlies at New Orleans Pelicans - Source: Imagn

Things have been looking up for the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2024-25 season. They are sitting in second place in the Western Conference with a 22-10 record. Despite not having their ace player Ja Morant on several occasions, Jaren Jackson Jr. and the rest of the Memphis squad have stepped up.

Last season, Memphis notched a 27-55 record, placing them 13th in the conference. This was mainly due to Morant's absence for the majority of the season. He only played nine games that year. With that in mind, it's quite surprising to see that the team has been able to keep it together despite not having their star point guard around in 12 games so far.

However, the circumstances are different, with Ja Morant playing more games this year. In 20 games, Morant is averaging 21.2 points, 7.9 assists, 4.4 rebounds and 1.1 steals.

Jaren Jackson Jr. has also stepped up his game to carry the Grizzlies to the position they're in at the moment. Having missed only two games this season, Jackson Jr. is averaging 21.9 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 1.7 bpg and 1.5 spg. His equal distribution on offense and defense helped solidify the team, especially without Morant.

According to recent reports, Ja Morant is expected to miss their next game against the OKC Thunder due to a shoulder injury. The Thunder is the best team in the West and Morant's absence could be a detrimental factor for Memphis, especially with their guard out of action. Nevertheless, losing their next game wouldn't hurt their record much as they'll likely remain among the top three in the conference.