Zach Randolph (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
The Toronto Raptors may seem hesitant to make a trade but a "grizzled" playoff veteran is a welcome weapon in the post season.
The Memphis Grizzlies are holding precariously to a fringe playoff spot that could see them on a collision course with powerhouses Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs which could lead to an early exit. A change in team identity has been recommended.
The two teams' fan bases have both discussed the possibility of trading for Zach Randolph, the Grizzlies' tough, veteran warrior. It seems practical for both teams considering the direction they are likely to take.
In Raptors Rapture, Brian Boake justifies taking Z-Bo. "Randolph has spent 14 seasons in the NBA, making up with effort and savvy what he lacks in elegance. He's been a double-double machine almost without exception."
The post names Patrick Patterson, James Johnson and a draft pick as the pieces sent to the Grizzlies in exchange for the veteran power forward. The 2016 Raptors' pick figures to fall in the 20s and Toronto has the rights to the worse of the Knicks/Nuggets first rounders (both are in the lottery right now), so the pick is expendable.
On the other hand, in Beale Street Bears, the Memphis Grizzlies' counterpart site, they have evaluated the trade proposal and found it wanting in value.
They cite that both players that Toronto is sending are both struggling, and instead of a late draft pick, they would rather have one of the Raptors' wings.
DeMar DeRozan is out of the question with his borderline All-Star season, so they suggest Terrence Ross, James Johnson and Anthony Bennett.
If that were the proposal, it would still be very probable. The Raptors are possibly amenable to trading Ross and Anthony Bennett, even if he's a former first overall pick.
While the fan bases have spoken, the actual team decision makers may still need more time. Nevertheless, this is a suggestion worth considering.
