NBA Trade Talk: Memphis Grizzlies Want To Improve Wings For Title Run, Targeting Jeff Green, Luol Deng

Despite having one of the better records in the tough Western Conference, the Memphis Grizzlies are not resting on their laurels are very active on the trade front. The Grizzlies are currently at 25-10— good for 3rd place in the West— but are looking to improve their wing depth, according to reports.

NBA writer of ESPN.com, Marc Stein is reporting that Memphis is exploring trade possibilities to improve their guard-forward rotation. Stein tweeted the update early Thursday mentioning the likes of Luol Deng of the Miami Heat and Jeff Green of the Boston Celtics as probable Grizzlies’ targets.

Story going online now: ESPN sources say Grizzlies, looking to bolster wing rotation, are pursuing trade for either Luol Deng or Jeff Green

— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) January 8, 2015

In the accompanying article in their website, Stein emphasised that no deal is imminent but that the Grizzlies are motivated to do such a move because other West teams have already bolstered their roster in anticipation for a cutthroat competition during the playoffs. Earlier this regular season, Grizzlies’ conference rivals Houston Rockets have acquired Corey Brewer and Josh Smith in separate transactions while the Dallas Mavericks obtained star point guard Rajon Rondo from the Boston Celtics.

Memphis has performed well in the regular season so far with the help of a solid rotation of Tony Allen, Vince Carter, Quincy Pondexter, Tayshaun Prince and Courtney Lee on the wings. But Prince also has a large expiring contract ($7.7 million), which could be appealing to other NBA teams which wants to save some money and which the Grizzlies can use to try to add a scoring threat from that group. Both Deng and Green fit that bill and both are seen as good complementary pieces to the core of the offence which includes Marc Gasol. Zach Randolph and Mike Conley. Will the Grizzlies pull the trigger before the trade deadline and improve their roster?

To contact author of this article, email j.quizon@IBTimes.com.au