Zach Randolph (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
The Memphis Grizzlies are planning to inject youth and athleticism into their lineup as the team starts poorly in the 2015-2016 NBA regular season. Rumor has it that Zach Randolph is the main piece for possible trade prospects.
The Grizzlies are already reportedly discussing a possible trade with the Miami Heat, although the involved players from Memphis are yet to be known. However, Randolph may be the expendable piece in the Grizzlies' lineup as the Grit and Grind squad is looking to add some fresh legs.
Grizzlies coach Dave Joerger admitted that his side looks a "little bit old" at times amid their worrisome start in the season following their 115-96 loss against the Portland Trailblazers, reports ESPN.
Randolph, 34, is the leading candidate to "fetch a difference-maker" in return, being one of the oldest members of the Grizzlies squad, and the fact that he is the most valuable trade piece among other players.
According to CBS Sports' Eye On Basketball, the Grizzlies have two options to get things going this year and eventually lead to their first ever NBA championship. The options are to "make a small trade and hope it pays off" or "make a big trade and end the Grit-Grind era."
The report noted that small trades are what Memphis is planning to do right now with trade talks for Mario Chalmers. However, Chalmers, with the way he is playing, is not the type of player that could alter a course of a franchise.
On the other hand, big trades would also not guarantee immediate success, but it could certainly be an upgrade one way or another. The report suggested that the Grizzlies need a dynamic scorer who can also defend well like the Warriors' Klay Thompson.
Thompson, fresh off a championship run last year with Golden State, has been a vital piece for the defending champs due to his long-distance shooting expertise. The half of the "Splash Brothers" averaged 21.7 points on 46 percent shooting last season.
If Thompson would go to Memphis, he will surely benefit from Mike Conley's passing abilities just as he does with the Warriors.
Meanwhile, Randolph could be a solid backup at the power forward position behind Draymond Green and would fit well as a center in Warriors' small ball rotation.
However, a straight swap would probably not work for both teams, so they may need to sweeten up the pot for each other by adding lottery picks or including another player in the mix.
Thompson may not be going elsewhere in the near future as he is locked up for the next three years with Golden State. But Z-Bo on the trading block seems realistic, considering Memphis' early struggles.
If nothing turns out right for the Grizzlies by mid-season, Randolph could be part of some roster shuffling around the league.
