Memphis has made a clear statement this offseason: they’re all-in on their young core. After re-signing Jaren Jackson Jr. and committing to Ja Morant, the Grizzlies now face a glaring missing piece, a true go-to scorer who can thrive when the game is on the line.
Enter DeMar DeRozan, the six-time All-Star and midrange maestro who posted 22.2 PPG last season. In a trade concept gaining traction, Memphis would send a package built around Cole Anthony, John Konchar, and two picks to Sacramento in exchange for DeRozan, an acquisition with the potential to transform them into legitimate Western Conference contenders.
DeRozan brings two decades of scoring pedigree, consistency, and clutch performance. Last season with Sacramento, he averaged 22.2 points per game, becoming one of the few players in NBA history to average 20+ points for 12 straight seasons.
Now imagine him paired with Morant’s explosiveness and Jackson Jr.’s two-way dominance. Suddenly, the Grizzlies would wield one of the league’s most compelling trios, and the Kings would also begin their own retooling process. Let’s dive into the trade details.
Proposed Trade Details
Memphis Grizzlies Receive: DeMar DeRozan
Sacramento Kings Receive: Cole Anthony, John Konchar, 2030 first-round pick, 2027 second-round pick (ATL)
Memphis Grizzlies Create A New Big Three That Could Make Them A Top-5 Seed In The West
By adding the veteran scoring presence of DeMar DeRozan to a roster anchored by Ja Morant (23.2 PPG, 7.3 APG) and Jaren Jackson Jr. (22.2 PPG, 5.6 RPG), the Grizzlies can truly elevate into elite Western Conference contention. Morant brings electric playmaking and explosive finishing, JJJ provides elite rim protection and switchable defense, and DeRozan delivers dependable midrange mastery and clutch scoring, having averaged 22.2 points last season for Sacramento.
Together, they’d create a dynamic that blends transition havoc, spacing, and late-clock wizardry, precisely what Memphis lacked in past playoff chases. This trio isn’t merely a flashy headline; it’s one that checks all their needs.
Morant and DeRozan would alternate as the go-to options depending on tempo and matchup, while Jackson anchors defensively. DeRozan’s ability to create secondary assists and generate his own shot stabilizes Memphis during crunch time, a role they’ve historically lacked.
If they can stay healthy and mesh quickly, this configuration projects to plant the Grizzlies firmly within the top-5 seeds out West at the very least. If Zach Edey and Jaylen Wells can showcase growth, they might even push the Grizzlies into top-four.
Sacramento Kings Move A Veteran For Assets
For Sacramento, trading DeRozan at age 35 is purely smart asset management. With his hefty $24.7 million salary and limited upside compared to younger stars, moving him opens cap flexibility and clears the way for a shift toward youth.
In this proposed deal, Cole Anthony and John Konchar offer two-way depth, while the first and second-round picks injected into the 2027-2030 pipeline help restock the Kings’ draft capital, particularly in the aftermath of recent big-ticket trades involving De’Aaron Fox.
Moreover, DeRozan’s departure opens up elevated roles for emerging roster pieces. Konchar adds positional versatility on the perimeter, Anthony brings step-up ball‑handler potential, and those draft assets create optionality, whether to strike on future trades or fuel long-term development.
For a franchise that has been in asset-accumulation mode all offseason, this trade fits the narrative: dispose of aging veterans, prioritize picks, and reset their next contender window.
A Clever Trade That Benefits The Grizzlies Tremendously
This DeRozan-for-Anthony/Konchar-and-picks swap hits on value for value. Memphis acquires a proven offensive closer who won’t disrupt their core or break the bank long-term, while Sacramento walks away with both immediate role players and future building blocks.
Cole Anthony can spell Morant in a pinch, remains an intriguing young playmaker, and fills the scoring void at the guard spot. Meanwhile, Memphis preserves financial flexibility to resign JJJ, retain Morant, and chase complementary upgrades.
From a cultural and fit perspective, this is a win-win for both sides. Memphis gets a consummate professional in DeRozan, whose midrange-centric attack naturally complements Morant’s gravity and JJJ’s dominance inside.
Sacramento gains flexibility and youth, two things critical to laying the groundwork for a sustained build. Ultimately, this isn’t just a trade; it’s a smart, calculated move that advances both franchises to where they need to be.
