The NBA Trade rumors heat up with the lifting of trade restrictions on December 15 and the report that the Memphis Grizzlies are on the verge of blowing up.
The report from NBC Sports cited several sources with allegations that coach Dave Joerger could be fired "as soon as tomorrow" (date is December 14). However, there are also sources who dispute this. Bottom line though, is that someone from ownership wants the head of Joerger, or at the very least, dissatisfied with the team status quo.
The Boston Celtics is one team that is definitely keeping a close watch on these types of situations. If one team would blow up, they are ready to swoop in with the assets to offer as their local site Celtics Blog points out.
"Who knows if that(rumor) has any legs to it, but if it does, maybe ownership is ready to scrap what they have now for a monstrous trade package," CB stated. "Gasol is 30-years-old, but he's a legitimate star two-way center and would be a terrific system-fit with the Celtics."
The Celtics have been waiting for this opportunity, and earlier in the season, the Sacramento Kings have had similar rumblings concerning DeMarcus Cousins. It is uncertain whether actual offers took place, but the Kings apparently want to hold on to Cousins no matter what.
But Gasol may even be a better target. He is a better defensive player and he could also be the leader in the middle that the young Celtics need. Cousins could not fill that role at this time.
Another point is that the mere possibility of the Celtics looking somewhere else, the prospect of losing the unprotected lottery draft picks that they could offer could make the Sacramento Kings think twice about locking Cousins up. The demand for the Celtics' assets could suddenly rise.
The possibility of this trade going down depends on the Grizzlies' performance. If they continue to struggle, the possibility of Mike Conley walking away via free agency might cause ownership to take desperate measures.