If the NBA Playoffs happened today, the Cleveland Cavaliers would have a better chance against the Boston Celtics, unlike a few weeks back when they did not even look like the defending Eastern Conference champions. To secure another trip to the NBA Finals and face either the Golden State Warriors or the Houston Rockets, the Cavaliers may end up giving away the first round draft from the Brooklyn Nets -- which would bear fruit if they can get Marc Gasol from the Memphis Grizzlies.
Sinking ship
The Grizzlies are currently tied with the Dallas Mavericks for the worst record in the West and just two games better than the cellar-dweller Atlanta Hawks.
The worst part is that they have lost 15 of their last 16 games, something unusual for a team led by Gasol and Mike Conley.
During this losing streak, the Grizzlies management decided to part ways with head coach David Fizdale. Associate head coach J.B. Bickerstaff was promoted as interim head coach of the Memphis Grizzlies. A full rebuild is likely on the way. However, with Gasol, who will turn 33 in January, still around, plus the massive contracts of Conley and Chandler Parsons, it may seem like a hard task.
Tank for the future
Among the three, Marc Gasol is the obvious way out for the Grizzlies. Mike Conley is out with left Achilles soreness and 4-years, $126 million left on his contract, while no team will gamble on Chandler Parsons’ 3-year contract worth a little over $72 million.
Without Gasol, the Memphis Grizzlies will lose their leading scorer, rebounder, and shot blocker. This gives them a better chance of landing one of the Top NBA prospects in the 2018 NBA Draft which includes names like DeAndre Ayton, Marvin Bagley, Luka Doncic, Michael Porter, and Mohamed Bamba.
Marc Gasol to Cleveland?
There are rumors about the uncertainty of Marc Gasol’s future with the Memphis Grizzlies, though no official talks have been floated.
If the Grizzlies really wanted to rebuild their franchise, they might want to head north to Cleveland where a big deal may be sitting for the taking.
The main target of the trade will be the Brooklyn Nets’ 2018 first round pick which is owned by the Cleveland Cavaliers. If what many basketball experts said during the preseason comes true, this pick could be within the Top 5 of the NBA Draft.
Securing a trip to the NBA Finals
Getting two of the top NBA prospects would greatly boost the Grizzlies’ campaign next season. Aside from the Nets' pick, Tristan Thompson and Iman Shumpert may soon find their way out of Cleveland. Imagine LeBron James, Marc Gasol, and Kevin Love manning the frontline with Jae Crowder and Channing Frye coming off the bench. If that does not secure an Eastern Conference title, no other trade will.
