The NBA trade rumors are in fever pitch as most players become eligible for trade.
Also, at the quarter mark, there are now teams at the crossroads, and one of them is the Memphis Grizzlies.
There have been numerous reports that the team is imploding, as this one from NBC Sports citing multiple sources that Coach Dave Joerger could be fired, not to mention John Hollinger, VP of basketball operations. In short, there is turmoil in the team as their 14-12 record is not indicative of their performance.
There are some suggestions that the Grizzlies roster has worn its welcome. They have the oldest line-up in the league and the trio of Marc Gasol, Zach Randolph and Mike Conley has regressed, specifically Z-Bo who has been relegated to a bench role.
This is why ESPN Insiders have proposed to blow the team up, and make some changes for the future. Tom Haberstroh suggested that they follow the Boston Celtics example.
Speaking of the Celtics, when the Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce era ran its course, the Celtics weren't afraid to hit the reset button," Haberstroh mentioned. "The Grizzlies should do the same. Not that "grit 'n grind" can't work in today's NBA, but the defensive numbers scream that the Conley-Randolph-Gasol trio have grinded to a halt."
Another ESPN Insider, David Thorpe, went on to propose a trade to the LA Lakers. The Lakers were rumored to be willing to trade their young assets to acquire superstars.
"Getting back to the Gasol/Conley idea, I could see those two in Lakers jerseys, assuring that franchise would be very attractive to free agents, especially considering Kobe's retirement. (Calling Kevin Durant!)," Thorpe said. "For that pair, Memphis could likely get D'Angelo Russell, Julius Randle, Jordan Clarkson and a future first-round pick."
The Lakers have all the cap space to accommodate Conley and with the two players, LA does seem like an attractive place for KD, or any other free agent.