It’s been a trying 2023-24 season for the Memphis Grizzlies. This team’s record does not reflect the talent on their roster. Pick an excuse – the Grizzlies can make it.
Starting the season without Ja Morant was difficult. He’s their best player. Morant got the season underway by serving a suspension. As a result, the Grizzlies dug themselves quite a hole.
Meanwhile, Steven Adams’ season-long injury hasn’t helped either. Morant is back, but the Grizzlies could still stand to replace Adams. Could they do so by acquiring Mason Plumlee of the Los Angeles Clippers?
The Trade Proposal
Phoenix Suns receive: G Derrick Rose
Los Angeles Clippers receive: G/F Eric Gordon, 2026 Second-Round Pick (LAC via MEM), 2030 Second-Round Pick (MEM)
Memphis Grizzlies receive: C Mason Plumlee
It’s been a difficult year for the Suns too. Like the Grizzlies, they have excuses. With that said in the case of the Suns, the excuses ring a little more hollow.
Sure, Bradley Beal has missed ample time. That’s supposed t be the benefit of having a superteam. With Kevin Durant and Devin Booker on the roster, the Suns are supposed to be able to withstand the loss of their third-best player.
So far, they’ve failed in that regard. This team has fallen far short of expectations. Perhaps they’d benefit from reshuffling the deck. Does flipping Gordon for Rose help their bottom line?
Why The Phoenix Suns Do The Deal
Recently, Gordon was complaining about his touches on the Suns. That’s part of the calculus here. If the Suns have any discord in their locker room, they ought to try to restore some harmony.
More broadly, it’s worth noting that Durant, Booker, and Beal are all scorers. Booker has made strides as a playmaker, but his instinct is still to call his number first. Meanwhile, Gordon fits the same description.
Not Rose. He’s a true point guard. When the Suns are healthy, they can use Rose to command their second unit. Otherwise, he can fill in for the oft-injured Beal and give this team a different offensive dynamic. Should the Clippers part with him?
Why The Los Angeles Clippers Do The Deal
The Clippers don’t need a point guard. Between James Harden and Russell Westbrook, they’re covered. This team has ample playmaking – they’d have no interest in trading for Rose.
Yet, they don’t seem to need Plumlee, either. Recently, Daniel Theis has usurped him in the rotation. Theis’ ability to shoot makes him a more complimentary player alongside the Clippers’ stars.
So, why not add more shooting? The Clippers would be reuniting with Gordon after just one season apart. He can plug and play into multiple lineups for them as a floor spacer who attacks closeouts. Moreover, the Clippers are picking up a pair of second-round picks from Memphis. Should the Grizzlies give those picks up?
Why The Memphis Grizzlies Do The Deal
Plumlee is the youngest player in this deal. At this stage in each player’s career, he might be the most impactful as well. That’s why the Grizzlies are giving up some draft capital – they’re getting the most valuable player in this trade.
With that said, they shouldn’t have to break the bank on Plumlee. He’s fallen out of the Clippers’ rotation. A quality veteran and a pair of second-rounders ought to be the market value for his services.
For what it’s worth, Plumlee is serviceable. He’s a solid positional passer who can protect the rim. He’ll make the Grizzlies a better team. At this point in their season, they need that.
