The Memphis Grizzlies were expected to be the frontrunners in the Dorian Finney-Smith sweepstakes, with various outlets reporting that a deal with the Brooklyn Nets was almost agreed upon. The Los Angeles Lakers swooped in at the 11th hour and acquired Finney-Smith instead by offering the Nets a trade package they preferred.
The Grizzlies were haggling for second-round compensation from the Nets after they agreed to send out a top-15 protected first-round pick. Brooklyn decided it would be easier to deal Dorian to the Lakers for three second-round picks and D’Angelo Russell’s expiring contract instead of John Konchar and Luke Kennard.
Everyone knows the Grizzlies are looking for frontcourt reinforcements. Now that they missed out on Finney-Smith, they can pivot to these three players to bolster their rotation instead.
Cam Johnson
If the bridge between the Nets and Grizzlies hasn’t been burned with Brooklyn sending Memphis’ prime trade target to a Western rival, the teams should reconnect on a potential Cam Johnson trade. Johnson will cost more than Finney-Smith did but might be an overall better fit for the Grizzlies who need a wing scorer like Johnson to complement Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr.
Johnson is averaging 19.1 points and 4.3 rebounds this season, with his $22.5 million contract being easy to match. The Grizzlies could offer Marcus Smart, John Konchar, and their 2025 first-round pick to get the deal over the line and add another elite scorer to the roster. With Desmond Bane‘s offensive struggles this season, adding a capable scorer like Johnson would make the Grizzlies a far more competent team.
Trying to put predictions on their 2025 pick is silly as the Grizzlies are on pace to be a Playoff team. Even though there are injury concerns around Morant, the offensive leap Jaren Jackson Jr. has taken could tide them through minor absences, especially as part of a trio with Johnson and Bane. When they’re fully healthy, Morant has three elite shooters to kick the ball out to when defenses collapse on him in the paint.
Kyle Kuzma
The Washington Wizards are listening to offers on Kyle Kuzma, with the 29-year-old forward’s tenure in D.C. potentially at its end. He’s seen his role and production decrease considerably this season as the Wizards lean on their young stars even more. The forward is averaging 15.8 points and 5.6 rebounds and would be a tremendous two-way addition to the Grizzlies.
The offer for Kuzma shouldn’t be dissimilar to Johnson, although adding protections on the 2025 first-round pick or offering multiple second-round picks becomes a more tenable option. While he’s struggling this season, we all know Kuzma can be an elite 3-and-D forward who has developed great on-ball skills over the last four years as a featured star on the Wizards.
If Kuzma is amenable to a trade, the Grizzlies need to jump on this opportunity. Kuzma might not boost their offense like Johnson but would be a more consistent defensive option if he locks in and has a block machine like Jackson Jr. protecting the paint. He’d be a great fit for the Grizzlies, although questions about his personality will continue until he gets a chance to prove otherwise.
Brandon Ingram
This is a more left-field option, but the Grizzlies shouldn’t be against adding an All-Star-level scorer like Brandon Ingram to their roster. While Ingram’s $36.0 million salary is harder to match, it would be a phenomenal addition to the Grizzlies.
Ingram is on an expiring deal and the Pelicans have shown a willingness to move on from him. This is a player they definitely could land without giving up major draft compensation, as Ingram has reached the end of the road with the Pelicans, who are unwilling to extend him the kind of contract he wants.
A trade offer would likely include Marcus Smart alongside John Konchar and Luke Kennard, with potentially a more straightforward offer including Brandon Clarke. It should not include a first-round pick given Ingram’s value, but multiple seconds or a protected first could do the trick.
He’s averaging 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.2 assists this season, with the Grizzlies giving him a genuine opportunity to earn the salary he wants for next season and beyond. If he can be an impactful Playoff performer, it will lead to a distinct advantage for the Grizzlies in a convoluted West.
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