The Memphis Grizzlies were among the most talked-about teams at the NBA trade deadline, amid speculation about the potential trade of Ja Morant. According to reports, while there was interest in Morant, no teams were willing to make a serious offer for the star player.
Grizzlies Likely To Release Eric Gordon Acquired at Trade Deadline
Additionally, the Grizzlies also traded star forward Jaren Jackson Jr. In return, they received three first-round draft picks in compensation from the Utah Jazz. Additionally, also received Walter Clayton Jr., Kyle Anderson, Taylor Hendricks, and Georges Niang from Utah.
Ahead of the NBA trade deadline, the Memphis Grizzlies completed one final deal. The Philadelphia 76ers sent Eric Gordon and a 2032 second-round pick swap to the Memphis Grizzlies for roster and cap flexibility. However, Gordon is expected to be waived.
“Eric Gordon is likely to be waived by Memphis, sources tell Yahoo Sports,” revealed NBA insider Kelly Iko. It was also revealed today that Gordon will not be with the team for tonight’s game against the Portland Trail Blazers, meaning he will most likely be waived.
Gordon, a veteran guard, has played in only 6 games this season and averaged 5.5 points. He spent the last two years of his 18-year NBA career in Philadelphia. He was named the sixth man of the year in 2017 for the Houston Rockets.
Additionally, the 76’ers also received the rights to Justinian Jessup in the trade. Jessup was the No. 51 overall pick in the 2020 NBA draft and is currently playing overseas for Bayern Munich in the German Basketball Bundesliga. Following the trade, Memphis also made the decision to waive Georges Niang. The Grizzlies decided to let go of the 32-year-old Niang, who has yet to see action this season due to a foot injury.
“The Memphis Grizzlies today announced that the team acquired Guard Eric Gordon and a 2032 second-round pick from the Philadelphia 76ers. In a related move, the Grizzlies waived forward Georges Niang,” the Grizzlies revealed in its report.
MORE: NBA Insider Reveals Grizzlies’ Ask for Ja Morant That Heat Boldly Rejected
Following these moves, Memphis is clearly going full rebuild, with no space for veteran and older players like Niang and Gordon. With the first-round pick compensation they received for Jackson Jr, as well as picks they received for Desmond Bane, they now have significant trade potential.
Currently, Memphis has 12 first-round picks over the next seven drafts. The Athletic also reported that Memphis is still aiming to trade Morant in the offseason. “Memphis intends to trade Morant over the summer, according to league sources. The team has the patience for any short-term pain that keeping him past the deadline may cause. Don’t view the non-action on him as a change in direction.” The report read.
Morant has played in 20 games this season, averaging 19.5 points, 8.1 assists, and 1.0 steals in 28.5 minutes. Despite interest from multiple teams, none made a serious offer for the Grizzlies’ star.