Trade
Rockets get Steven Adams; Grizzlies get Victor Oladipo, two 2024 2nd rd picks, one 2025 2nd rd pick
In case you wondering if injured players could get traded in the NBA, the answer is obviously "YES", considering that neither Adams not Oladipo has played a game yet this year. I have a theory about Adams: I bet in real life he's a really cool guy and probably a great locker room presence. In his prime he was a hell of a rebounder, defender and all-around lane filler but the prime years are long past for Adams. So what purpose does he serve the Rockets? Well, they're a young team and he's a reliable (likable?) veteran in the locker room and when he does come back next year, he'll be a nice 2nd string big man for them.
As for Oladipo, well, if he comes back from injury, he could possibly get some for-real minutes on this Grizzlies team that is already decimated by injuries and not looking to win games anyway. If he could be something like the ball handling scorer he was at his peak, then there's definitely room in Memphis for him right now. Honestly three 2nd rd picks is the real prize in this deal as the Grizzlies need bodies and will likely be able to make better use of them that the Rockets (who have already moved on from their youth movement into a maturing roster).
Is this move a big deal? Well, its deck chair shuffling for both teams and that might make each of them a little more nimble this off-season but isn't gonna make much different on the court.
Injury
Zach LaVine opted for season-ending foot surgery
LaVine had been prominent in trade rumors for the last month or so, does this mean he's off the market? Most likely, since anyone trading for LaVine would want him to play now rather than later. But, as we've seen with Adams and Oladipo, resetting for this summer and/or next season is not out of the question, so is there anyone out there willing to pick up a convalescing LaVine? The Pistons are still a possibility and why not the Raptors, since it seems like they're not interesting in winning any more this season. Could the Blazers pony up Jerami Grant for 2025 LaVine?
10-day Contracts
Tosan Evbuomwan (Grizzlies), Taj Gibson (Knicks), Trey Jemison (Grizzlies)
The Grizzlies are crippled by injuries at the moment, I'm a little surprised there are only two 10-day-ers in the rotation at the moment.
Taj! Hey, man, when Coach Thibs says, "I need ya, Taj", Taj snaps into action, pulls the old Knick jersey out of the back of the closet and collects a few extra paychecks. Always liked Taj, glad he's still around (though clearly Thibs is the only one that truly appreciates his genius).
Retiring
Marc Gasol
Helluva player in his day, he was the epitome of the ol' grit-and-grind Grizzlies, went to Toronto for a playoff run, bounced around a little. Always had a weird game, weird body, but in his prime he was a reliable scorer, subtle tough guy and a great all-round contributor. Good int'l career, too, and I presume that this announcement is truly about no longer playing for Spain or in Europe in general. Hall of famer? I'd say yes (but then again, everybody makes the basketball hall of fame).
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