Just a few days ago, the Memphis Grizzlies were mentioned as potential trade deadline bidders.
With Ja Morant back in the mix, Memphis had been heading upwards and appeared to be a potential option for trade deadline additions in order to make a playoff push.
With Morant now ruled out for the season due to shoulder surgery, the Grizzlies may take a different approach at the trade deadline and focus on next season
While Memphis does not have many attractive trade assets outside of their core, Evan Sidery of Substack and Forbes Sports reports that sharpshooting guard Luke Kennard may be of interest to contenders.
While injuries have disrupted his flow this season, Kennard is shooting 49% from deep since joining the Grizzlies at the season's trade deadline, and he has led the league in three-point percentage for the past two years.
If Kennard is traded, it will most likely be to a team that intends to exercise his $14.8 million option for next season.
The Grizzlies may potentially keep Kennard and pursue the option themselves, since he has been an excellent fit alongside their key players.
What Memphis does with Kennard and other attractive role players will be determined by leaguewide interest and what the Grizzlies can get back to help them build around Morant when he returns next season.