The Memphis Grizzlies are rumored to be shopping Tony Allen, another piece of the team's grit and grind core, as the forward has already "outlasted" his use in the franchise.
The Grizzlies overcame a slow start into the season and are now in pace of becoming a legitimate contender in the Western Conference.
But despite their renewed hope of finishing strong in the Wild Wild West, the Grizzlies could still deal a piece of their core Grit and Grind roster.
Allen could be the odd man out for the Grizzlies as the forward included in the 2015 NBA All-Defensive Team is becoming ineffective as the season goes on, according to Dan Favale of Bleacher Report.
Favale noted that Memphis does not have enough surrounding shooters to justify playing Allen in heavy minutes anymore.
Favale wrote: "Defenders blatantly sag off Allen, sealing off his paths to the basket and daring him to shoot. Certain teams don't actually put a defender on him at all. They stick a big man within 10 to 12 feet of him, knowing any damage he inflicts will be limited."
Allen is not really known for his offensive skills, but his defense makes up for it. He is still considered as one of the NBA's top defensive on-ball defensive players and opponents are still shooting poorly when he defends them.
However, Favale argued that the "league is different now" and the Grizzlies have been forced to adjust their games, including less minutes for Allen, under Joerger's helm.
Allen is only averaging 22.6 minutes per game so far, along with 6.6 points on 42.5 shooting. This suggest that he could still net something in return if the Grizzlies decide to trade him.
One team that could certainly use Allen's on-ball peskiness would be the Houston Rockets, who are struggling to find their identity on the defensive end.
Allen would instantly provide the Rockets an elite defender, giving James Harden more freedom to maneuver on the offensive end. Pairing Allen to Trevor Ariza, also a tough defender, would create a dynamic defensive duo for the Rockets and would certainly give opposing teams problems.
According to Real GM trade checker, Allen in exchange for KJ McDaniels and Sam Dekker is possible.
McDanies and Dekker can give Memphis the needed youth and athleticism the team is lacking. They would also suit well if Joerger really decides to move on from the Grit and Grind area.
There is no confirmation yet if the Grizzlies would trade Allen, but he is the top candidate to be Memphis' trade bait before the deadline.