Grizzlies paired as trading broker for Myles Turner

The Memphis Grizzlies came on a mission in the 2022-2023 season. After being defeated by the Golden State Warriors in the second round of the 2022 NBA Playoffs, they set out to prove that now was their time and that they were true contenders for the NBA Championship. So far so good, as Memphis has been at the top of the Western Conference since its inception.

Memphis is currently tied with the Denver Nuggets for first place in the conference and has proven to be a strong team on both sides of the field. They have overcome some injury issues this season, showing their great depth and talent from head to toe on the roster.

It’s hard to imagine Memphis making a splashy trade during the season, but contending teams know it’s better to proactively look for upgrades than to stand idly by as teams around them scramble for improvements. If the Grizzlies made a big change, the center position could be where it comes.

Steven Adams is excellent at what he has to do. He does the dirty work on the interior as a defensive power and rebounder. But he doesn’t offer much offensively other than putting down hard screens and is a big responsibility on the foul line.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Myles Turner, Indiana Pacers & Memphis Grizzlies Updates

That fits well with what the Grizzlies are doing, but they could look into an upgrade to a player that offers more two-way play. As suggested by Zach Buckley of Bleacher ReportMyles Turner of the Indiana Pacers could be an intriguing trading target.

Turner is having a career season with the Pacers, averaging 16.1 points on efficient 54.3 percent from the field and 41.3 percent from 3-point range. Along with those career highs, Turner also pulls down 7.9 rebounds per game, which is another career record.

He would add another dimension to the Grizzlies’ offense, further opening up the center of the field for Ja Morant, Desmond Bane and Dillon Brooks to attack and get into the paint. Teams should respect him on the fringe, which would make them an even more dangerous offensive unit.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Myles Turner, Indiana Pacers & Memphis Grizzlies Updates

Combining Turner with Jars Jackson Jr. in the frontcourt would produce the Grizzlies arguably the most versatile duo in the NBA. Both are able to handle themselves at either end of the court and are defensive erasers at the edge, giving Taylor Jenkins endless possibilities with his drafting combinations.