The NBA’s pre-trade deadline market got off to an incredible start on Wednesday night, with the prime trade being a blockbuster deal that sent Kevin Durant to the Phoenix Suns.
Now, the Memphis Grizzlies have to try to improve to compete in the West, and it looks like they’re interested in both Mikal Bridges and O.G. Anunoby.
Interestingly, Bridges himself was part of that blockbuster deal and is currently with the Brooklyn Nets. However, with that franchise now in complete turmoil after dealing both Durant and Kyrie Irving, it wouldn’t be much of a shock to see Bridges once again on the move.
The Grizzlies appear to be suitors.
“Several teams called the Nets to gauge the potential availability of forward Mikal Bridges, league sources told HoopsHype,” Michael Scotto wrote. “One of the most notable teams to call was the Memphis Grizzlies, who have been engaged in trade talks for another wing on the trade market, Toronto Raptors swingman OG Anunoby. In separate trade talks for Bridges and Anunoby, the Grizzlies have tried to entice the Nets and Raptors with several first-round picks for each player, league sources told HoopsHype.”
When it comes to Bridges’ potential availability, it is somewhat self-explanatory. The Nets have been forced into a rebuild and might be willing to deal Bridges for future assets.
As for Anunoby’s availability, the Raptors are believed to be open to dealing away several of the players currently on their roster to start a rebuild of their own focused on surrounding youngster Scottie Barnes with fresh talent.
It’s not much of a mystery why the Grizzlies would want to acquire either Anunoby or Bridges. Both are talented wing players who have produced on both sides of the floor this season.
Moreover, both are among the few players who can at least put up a fight defensively against a player like Durant. For a team in the West with championship aspirations like the Grizzlies, being able to defend Durant has just become much more important.
On the season, Bridges is averaging 17.2 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game. Anunoby is averaging 16.9 points, 5.5 boards and 2.0 assists per game.
With just a few hours left before the trade deadline passes, it will fascinating to see if either of them get moved.
