The Memphis Grizzlies and New Orleans Pelicans both started on the wrong foot but they can make each other better.
There are already talks that the Eastern Conference is now better, or at least at par with the Western Conference. Mark Cuban went ahead and said it and even the standings prove him right, for now.
One of the main reasons for this development is that three Western playoff teams from last season are stumbling right out of the gate, as noted by SB Nation.The Houston Rockets are one of them, and their implosion has resulted in a coaching casualty. The other two are the Memphis Grizzlies and New Orleans Pelicans.
While both teams seem to have a slight recovery, there are still long-term issues that need to be addressed-the same issues that drove them to their bad starts and also, the fate of their upcoming free agents.
The Grizzlies had a boost with their trade for Mario Chalmers of the Miami Heat. One underlying reason for his acquisition could be Conley's impending free agency. As one of the better point guards in the West, Conley could command top dollar and the Grizzlies have no assurance they can keep him.
As noted by ESPN, Conley has already complained. "The paint is a zoo," Mike Conley said. "It's clogged. It's hard for guards to drive, hard for our big guys to have room to make plays."
This is why trading Conley and Randolph to the Pelicans could improve the Grizzlies and vice-versa.
Exchanging low-post operator Zach Randolph for floor spacing stretch four Ryan Anderson solves the Grizzlies problem, and Eric Gordon will be the big time scorer that they need. At least, he would be better offensively than Tony Allen, and they can survive Conley's loss since they have Chalmers now.
For the Pelicans, they have been looking for stability at the point guard position and they could not find that in Jrue Holiday. Ish Smith is playing well but not really a starter. Conley would fit well with Anthony Davis, and Randolph would be a better fit with Anthony Davis since the Unibrow is quicker, has better range and does not set camp in the post as Marc Gasol does.
This could be possible option for both teams and the change of scenery might convince the free agents involved (Conley and Gordon) to stick around. Last season, Goran Dragic was traded to the Heat and even if they did not make the playoffs, Dragic signed a long-term deal with them. The Pelicans and Grizzlies may take the same route with this trade.