National Basketball Association

Three Lamarcus Aldridge Trades Involving the Grizzlies

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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With the recent rumors of the San Antonio Spurs entertaining trades involving LaMarcus Aldridge, could he possibly end on the Memphis Grizzlies?

LaMarcus Aldridge has denied the rumors that there was tension with the Spurs, but we all know that those rumors could very well be true. If they end up being true, what’re the chances that Aldridge becomes a Grizzly? Probably pretty slim, but with the new approach to the offense, he could fit very well. He already has some range to his game, which seems to be where the Memphis Grizzlies may be going. Aldridge scores a majority of his points from the post isolation although. However, with Marc Gasol extending his range to the 3-point line, the offense wouldn’t get clogged compared to if when all the Grizzlies’ frontcourt players simultaneously took over the paint. Aldridge may not get as many rebounds as coaches would like, which wouldn’t bode well for the Grizzlies, who finished as the third-worst team in total rebounding last year. I’m sure the Grizzlies would work around that to obtain one of the best forwards in the league.

Trade No. 1

*Grizzlies send 2018 first round draft pick to the Spurs

Why the Memphis Grizzlies do the trade: They could pair one of the top forwards in the league with a top center and point guard. Aldridge and Gasol could be one of, if not the best, frontcourt in the league. This would also give the Grizzlies another scorer that they could rely on late in the game when buckets are needed.

Why the Memphis Grizzlies don’t do the trade: I think the main reason they wouldn’t do the trade would be the loss of Wade Baldwin IV. Right now, the depth at the point guard position is really lacking and Baldwin IV not only helps with the depth, but has potential. Moving Randolph to the sixth man role doesn’t mean the Grizzlies are starting to undervalue him. I think it does open up the possibility that they would trade him to improve at the position, though.

Why Spurs do the trade: It would give them two prospects in Wade Baldwin IV and the first rounder. Some rumors have said Murray has progressed slower than expected in the grooming of the future point guard of the Spurs. Baldwin IV could have been the Spurs real target and they could acquire him in this trade. Randolph is on an expiring deal that could open up their cap to pair the next young star with Kawhi Leonard in the future. Randolph could also be valuable trade bait to get more assets, but I think the Greg Popovich could work his magic on both Randolph and Brandan Wright and keep the Spurs contending in the Western Conference.

Why Spurs don’t do the trade: The Spurs may feel that they want to contend this year and the assets in Baldwin IV and the first aren’t enough to make them throw away a potential two-seed in the West. Randolph is good, but he isn’t quite the player Aldridge is.

Trade #2

Why the Memphis Grizzlies do the trade: For the same reasons listed in the first trade. They could gain Aldridge and a young guard in Jonathan Simmons.

Why the Memphis Grizzlies don’t do the trade: They would lose three key parts of the team. Randolph and Tony Allen are major locker room presences and both play close to 30 minutes a game. Baldwin IV, as stated earlier, will probably be the backup point guard. They could be losing three major players on a team that already lacks depth to gain one in Aldridge.

Why Spurs do the trade: For the same reason the Grizzlies wouldn’t. They could gain two young players in Deyonta Davis and Wade Baldwin IV. Both are pretty raw and could use some Popovich in their lives. Randolph and Allen would be nice depth to add to this team. Imagine Manu Ginobli, Danny Green and Tony Allen subbing in for each other every three minutes depending on match-ups. Plus, having Allen for the Warriors matchup, could potentially give the Spurs an edge.

Why Spurs don’t do the trade: I think this trade helps the Spurs more now and they wouldn’t lose as much as the last one, but Aldridge is still the best player in the trade.

Trade No. 3

*Grizzlies send 2018 first round pick to the Cavaliers

Why the Memphis Grizzlies do the trade: For the same reason in the previous trades.

Why the Memphis Grizzlies don’t do the trade: Just like in the second trade, the Grizzlies would be losing a lot of depth in this trade. I think they would still pull the trigger.

Why Spurs do the trade: One of the rumors as to why the Spurs would trade Aldridge was because of their offense turning into isolation ball. With Kevin Love, the Spurs could move back to their bread and butter and moving the ball. Love can space the floor better than Aldridge and is also a better rebounder. Plus, Tony Parker and Kevin Love pick-and-pops would be fun to see.

Why Spurs don’t do the trade: I think the main reason the Spurs wouldn’t do this trade is to stay loyal to Aldridge for picking them. I think Love may be a better player and a better fit. Though, Love has struggled on the Cavs, he was excellent on the Minnesota Timberwolves and could thrive again on Spurs. The Spurs could also think that Aldridge is the better player and not pull the trigger for that reason too.

Why the Cavaliers do the trade: Love hasn’t been the best fit with the Cavs. Randolph and Wright could provide some post depth. If Randolph can extend his range to the 3- point line, he could space the floor while also providing the toughness which helped the Cavs beat the Warriors. I think the main reason they would do this trade would be to get Allen, though. The Cavaliers keep their sights on the Warriors throughout the whole season. To have a player that could potentially lock down Steph Curry would be very intriguing to them.

Why the Cavaliers don’t do the trade: They just won the championship with Kevin Love. He has proven to be a star player in the league and they have held off on trading him this past year. If they think he is the best player in the trade, they may think he is their best chance to win.