Check out The Memphis Grizzlies’ daring trade proposal to acquire an All-Star

The lacing of wounds This upcoming summer will be the most pivotal in the Memphis Grizzlies’ history. The door to the championship is wide open with a healthy, fully-committed Ja Morant and a locker room anchor like Jaren Jackson Jr., who might be named Defensive Player of the Year. If EVP/GM Zach Kleiman wants to make the most of this opportunity, he needs to find every way to get Kevin Durant or Giannis Antetokounmpo.

The Grizzlies can offer enticing packages for Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo or pay less for All-Stars like Lauri Markkanen.

It takes courage and a readiness to pay a premium, particularly in a small market, to land an All-Star. Bringing in additional elite players is not an option, but a must if you want to go from a playoff contender to a legitimate title challenger. To what end, then, are the Grizzlies utilizing this market strategy?

In a nutshell, anything between seven and seventy million dollars, plus any and all future draft capital.

With two potentially lucrative exchange options (2026 and 2030), Memphis will hold all first-round picks in the 2025 NBA Draft. The Phoenix Suns, who are on the decline, will be traded for the Orlando Magic, who will be average in 2026, and the Washington Wizards, who will be terrible in 2030.

It will be difficult and time-consuming for the team to use its assets to attract an All-Star. Nevertheless, the Grizzlies possess the necessary assets to create an impression, including the $36.7 million cap hit that Desmond Bane received as a trade centerpiece, draft capital, and role players such as John Konchar ($6.1M) and Brandon Clarke ($12.5M).

The maximum number of future first- and second-round picks that the Grizzlies can trade is four and six, respectively.

The complicated contract situation surrounding restricted free agent Santi Aldama ($11.9M) makes him unlikely to be traded outside of a sign-and-trade, but Zach Edey’s $6.04M deal gives him some leeway. Constructing workable frameworks is the last step before the big news releases.

Even though the Boston Celtics hoisted their 18th championship banner in 2024, the upcoming offseason will be dominated by changes in ownership, an early departure from the 2025 NBA Playoffs, and the injury to Jayson Tatum.

The franchise’s previous owners are selling it for $6.1 billion in an effort to cash out. A potential luxury tax charge of around $240 million for a franchise that is considered to be past its sell-by date due to Tatum’s injury is already causing the new group to complain.

What makes the Celtics think this deal could work? Moving Brown would be the simplest way to save a ton of money right now and set the team up for future success. Boston gains a younger key player and draft capital in Bane and Edey in addition to draft picks.

A potential All-Rookie, a borderline All-Star, and three first-round picks are not going to be returned by Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis, and Derrick White.

• Grizzlies receive: Jaylen Brown ($53.14M)
• Celtics receive: Desmond Bane, John Konchar, GG Jackson/Vince Williams Jr., two first-round picks (2026, 2030), 2028 first-round pick swap

Brown’s scoring and defense would pair seamlessly with Morant, creating a dynamic backcourt that perhaps lacks outside shooting if anything offensively.

The 28-year-old also enhances the perimeter defense and playoff toughness, though it is a high price. Still, there are loud whispers in league circles about just how much the Celtics will give up to get below the aprons to reset the repeater punishments.

Boston’s brass could even look to get out of the tax entirely.
By simply simplifying things, this decision brings the Celtics closer. The Celtics need to acquire a few players on minimum contracts to complete their roster because they cannot keep everyone.

Three players—Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis, and Derrick White—will be traded first. The Celtics’ asking prices for Holiday and Porzingis are vague, but White is highly sought after.

The objectives of Boston, however, are well-known. Reset the clock on punitive damages (loss of picks) and avoid paying the tax.

By holding on to Brandon Clarke’s contract for potential use in a future trade, Kleiman can keep things straightforward.
Put Kevin Durant’s retirement tour out of your mind. Offer more draft resources and a younger, better player than any team outside of the Oklahoma City Thunder if you want Boston’s top talent.

Striving to locate Lauri Markkanen 

The Utah Jazz’s retooled front office is shopping Lauri Markkanen to truly kickstart a rebuild in the Western Rocky Mountains. Memphis needs more size, shooting, rebounding, and frontcourt depth in general. A seven-footer with elite shooting (38% over the last three seasons), the Finnish phenom is a near-perfect fit alongside Morant and Jackson Jr.

• Grizzlies receive: Lauri Markkanen ($44.1m)
• Jazz receive: Desmond Bane, Brandon Clarke, 2026 first-rounder, 2027 swap rights, protected 2028 first-rounder

By resolving spacing concerns and causing matchup nightmares, the attacking combination of Markkanen, Morant, and Jackson Jr. is lethal. The Grizzlies’ title window is enlarged by Markkanen’s fit, even though losing Bane hurts. Just by improving their defensive versatility and floor spacing, Memphis’ fast-paced attack might reach new heights. If Tuomas Iisalo and Markkanen were to collaborate, Kleiman might refer to this period as the “Fit and Finnish” age.

Gaining frontcourt depth with Bane and Clarke and future flexibility with draft picks, the Jazz are firmly in rebuild mode.

Bane’s trade value will increase since his scoring ability and playmaking skills are a good fit for the Jazz’s rebuilding needs.

The Jazz are interested in Clarke because of his defensive versatility. The protected first-rounder gives Utah flexibility for the future while reducing risk for Memphis due to Markkanen’s unfriendly deal.

When it comes to talks, Danny Ainge is known to be very firm. Another draft choice or other assets can be requested by the Jazz.

Adding John Konchar or Zach Edey to this transaction with Walker Kessler does make sense, if that’s the case.
If Santi Aldama signs an offer sheet somewhere else, that could be a sign. It would be remiss not to upgrade to Markkanen.