Memphis Grizzlies power forward Zach Randolph. (Photo : Getty Images)
Memphis Grizzlies power forward Zach Randolph is the subject of many trade rumors recently and is actually predicted to be one of four "big-name players" who could be moved during midseason.
An article by Cheat Sheet's Ryan Davis forecasted four top players who he said will likely be traded any time this season and Randolph is the number one player on his list, followed by the Chicago Bulls' Derrick Rose, Minnesota Timberwolves' Ricky Rubio, and Boston Celtics' Isaiah Thomas.
Some of the teams that Davis said could be interested in the 15-year veteran are the New York Knicks, Toronto Raptors, and Dallas Mavericks.
As of now, Memphis' record is at 4-6, only enough for the bottom four in the West, and their poor start to the season had prompted a lot of rumors about their Big Three's potential breakup.
Davis cited a recent write-up by Zach Lowe at Grantland suggesting that trading the 34-year-old All-Star - being the eldest in the Grizzlies' Big Three of Randolph, Marc Gasol, and Mike Conley Jr. - is the "obvious play" for David Joerger's squad at this moment, especially if they want to become a legit title contender in the stacked up Western Conference.
The Grizzlies finished last season 5th in the West with a 55-27 slate, but they lost to the Golden State Warriors in the conference semi-finals, 2-4, exposing their weakness to a small ball type of lineup.
Joerger may deal Randolph to a stretch four or a versatile two-way wing player if he wants to keep up with the team's rivals in the West.
Meanwhile, speculations that the Los Angeles Lakers is also a potential destination for the 2004 NBA Most Improved Player has also recently come out.
A RealGM Trade Checker scenario suggested that Randolph could be swapped for Nick Young and Ryan Kelly.
This trade actually makes sense for both parties as the Grizzlies will have the stretch four and two-way wing player that they needed to play faster while the Lakers will have a veteran big man that could mentor their current young guns.
