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The Memphis Grizzlies had an exciting 2020-21 NBA campaign as they reached the playoffs against all odds.
The Grizzlies have a young and talented squad that could become a legitimate threat in the West with a few key additions this summer.
3 players who can help the Memphis Grizzlies bolster their squad ahead of the 2021-22 NBA season
The Memphis Grizzlies possess the dynamic duo of Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., who could go on to become one of the best guard/big tandems in the league. However, if they want to taste success in the postseason, the Grizzlies will have to build a strong side around the two players.
On that note, here are three players the Memphis Grizzlies should look to trade for during the 2021 NBA offseason.
#3 - Seth Curry, shooting guard
The Memphis Grizzlies' glaring weakness is that they don't have dead-eye shooters on the team. The team finished 23rd in three-point attempts and 20th in three-point field goals made last season, exhibiting the need for a three-point shooting specialist.
The Memphis Grizzlies can attempt to bring in Seth Curry from the Philadelphia 76ers, who had an outrageous playoff run. The 76ers ended up crashing out of the postseason in the Eastern Conference semi-finals, but Curry made sure that the NBA fraternity took his notice.
The younger Curry brother averaged 18.8 points, 2 points and 2 assists per game during the playoffs, converting a staggering 50% of his shots from the deep. He picked up the scoring mantle when Ben Simmons failed and could prove to be a valuable addition to the Memphis Grizzlies squad.
Curry is owed close to $25 million over the next three years, which makes him an affordable target. He is more than comfortable taking a completely off-the-ball role, making him the perfect backcourt partner for ball-dominant Ja Morant.
Also Read: What is Seth’s Current Contract?
#2 - Marcus Smart, point guard
If there was an NBA award for hustle and grit, Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart would be in contention to win it every single year.
Smart is one of the best defensive players in the league at the guard position and is a capable player on the offensive side of the ball.
The Memphis Grizzlies are a young team and perhaps lack a player with a strong mentality. Smart will bring in just that, along with his ability to make key defensive plays throughout the game.
Marcus Smart averaged 13 points and 5 assists during the 2020-21 NBA season, playing alongside defensive liability Kemba Walker in the Boston Celtics backcourt. It could be argued that Morant is a much better defender than Walker, and if the Memphis Grizzlies end up signing Smart, they will have a brilliant defensive pairing at the guard spots.
Smart is entering the last year of his deal, which means a move away from the Celtics cannot be ruled out.
#1 - Jusuf Nurkic, center
NBA trade rumors about Damian Lillard have cast a cloud of doubt over Jusuf Nurkic's future. If the Portland Trail Blazers part ways with the Bosnian center, the Memphis Grizzlies should be the first team to call Portland executive Neil Olshey about a possible trade.
The Grizzlies have a solid frontcourt, with Jonas Valancunias and Jaren Jackson Jr. manning the center and power forward spots respectively, while Brandon Clarke and Xavier Tillman are part of the reserves.
However, with Nurkic's possible addition, the Memphis Grizzlies will boast arguably the best frontcourt in terms of both quality and depth. The last few playoffs have shown the importance of having a dominant frontcourt, and the Memphis Grizzlies will have the luxury of rotating three quality options during games.
Nurkic is an injury-prone player, but his team-friendly contract means he won't prove to be much of a risk.
