.png){kind=small}
*Golden State will send their 2018 first round draft pick to Memphis*
This trade only makes the Warriors super team that much better. The bench would see a serious upgrade with Evans running the second unit and O’Quinn can legit be a starter over Zaza Pachulia.
O’Quinn is a strong rebounder, good shot blocker, solid rim protector and good passer in a free flowing offense. In just 17 minutes of action per game, O’Quinn is averaging 6.9 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists and a block.
Evans is having a career season and setting himself up for a nice paycheck come free agency. Sure, Memphis should get more in return for a player of Evans’ caliber, but he is a rental and Memphis is in salary-cap hell. It’s unlikely they’ll be able to retain Evans due to paying Mike Conley, Chandler Parsons and Marc Gasol each at least $20 million dollars a year.
Taking the best available offer should be the priority for Memphis. Jones is a former Vanderbilt player and should feel more comfortable playing in the Volunteer State. The former 30th overall pick in the 2016 draft has been bouncing around the G-League during his stint with the Warriors.
The 2018 first round pick will allow the Grizzlies to try and find a diamond in the rough. With the current salary cap situation, Memphis should be trying to get the best possible talent for the least amount of money.
The Knicks take on Young’s expiring contract and add McCaw. McCaw has been a decent reserve for Golden State. Although his three-point shooting has dropped to 25.4% compared to 33.3% his rookie year, the Knicks will be happy to continue their rebuild and take a chance on McCaw’s potential.