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CHA receives: Marc Gasol
MEM receives: Cody Zeller, Alex Abrines, Malin Monk, Charlotte’s 2019 first round pick and Charlotte’s 2020 second round pick (via Cleveland).
OKC receives: Frank Kaminsky
The Memphis Grizzlies are reaching the end of the Grit and Grind era. For the first time, both Mike Conley and Marc Gasol are available in a trade. Both are franchise icons are still valuable and efficient players. However, with their age, past injury history, and with a lot of money still tied up, the expected value the Grizzlies may receive in return may not equal the expected worth.
Gasol, who has a player option for 2019-2020 at $25.6 million next season, is the most likely of the two to be moved.
Enter the Charlotte Hornets who may be hell bent in making the playoffs and upgrading their roster to better convince Kemba Walker to sign an extension this summer.
Charlotte, who currently sits in the 8 spot in the East, have a glaring hole at the center position that Gasol would be able to step right in and contribute immediately. Adding Gasol would certainly lock the Hornets in a playoff position. Teaming up Kemba with Gasol would make the Hornets a difficult out come playoff time.
Memphis would be happy to acquire Malik Monk and the 2019 first round pick as the main assets in return for Gasol. The 2020 second pick would be an added sweetener while Zeller would be able to provide being a replacement level center on a reasonable contract.
Memphis needs to hit reset and just build towards future seasons. Monk could be the guy that develops into a cornerstone piece for the franchise.
The Thunder are brought in as a third team to save money for another potential deal. Abrines has all but fell out of the rotation and is making $1.9 million more than Kaminsky. The Thunder could also use a floor spacing, stretch 5 center for the remainder of the season.