Memphis's Point Guard Puzzle
The whispers around Jalen Brunson and the Memphis Grizzlies aren't new, but they've picked up steam in recent weeks. Look, Memphis needs a steady hand, a reliable scorer who can create his own shot and take some pressure off Ja Morant. Brunson, fresh off a season where he averaged 28.7 points and 6.7 assists for the Knicks, certainly fits that description on paper. He’s a proven playoff performer, too, dropping 31 points per game in their recent first-round series loss.
But this isn't as simple as plugging in a star. The Grizzlies already have Morant running the show. Brunson thrives with the ball in his hands, orchestrating the offense, picking apart defenses with his relentless drives and crafty finishes. He shot 40.1% from three last year, a career high, which helps, but his primary impact comes from breaking down a defense off the dribble. Can two alpha lead guards truly coexist and maximize their individual talents without stepping on each other's toes? It's a legitimate question.
Memphis has struggled with offensive consistency when Morant is off the floor or when teams bottle him up. Desmond Bane is a fantastic secondary scorer, but he’s not a primary initiator. Brunson offers that. He could stabilize the half-court offense, run the second unit, or even play alongside Morant in specific lineups. The thought is that Brunson could unlock more off-ball opportunities for Morant, letting him cut and finish, but Morant’s game is built on his explosive drives from the perimeter. It would require a significant tactical adjustment from Taylor Jenkins.
The Financial Tightrope Walk
Here’s the thing: Brunson isn't cheap. He’s currently on a four-year, $104 million deal with the Knicks, set to make over $24 million next season. For Memphis to acquire him, they'd likely need to send out significant salary. Think about pieces like Luke Kennard ($14.7 million next year), Steven Adams ($12.6 million), or even Brandon Clarke ($12.5 million). And that's just for salary matching.
The Knicks aren't just giving away their best player for cap relief. They'd demand draft capital, probably multiple first-round picks, given Brunson's age (27) and production. Memphis has already traded away some future assets in past moves. Giving up more firsts, especially for a player who might not be a perfect fit, feels like a steep price for a franchise that prides itself on drafting and developing.
Consider the recent Damian Lillard trade to Milwaukee. The Bucks sent out Jrue Holiday, multiple first-round picks, and pick swaps. Lillard, while older, is a top-75 player of all time. Brunson is great, but he’s not Lillard. The market for a player of Brunson’s caliber, under contract, is still incredibly high. Memphis would be pushing deep into the luxury tax for a team that hasn't made it past the second round of the playoffs.
Real talk: committing that much salary to a backcourt of Morant and Brunson leaves very little flexibility for other roster improvements. They’d be banking entirely on those two gelling and elevating the team to contender status. It’s a high-risk, high-reward move that could cripple their long-term cap sheet if it doesn't pan out immediately.
Impact on New York and Memphis
For the Knicks, letting go of Brunson would be a seismic shift. He became the face of their franchise, a legitimate star who embraced the Madison Square Garden spotlight. Their recent playoff success is largely attributed to his leadership and scoring prowess. Trading him would signal a complete rebuild or a pivot to acquiring a different type of star.
They’d likely seek young talent and a massive haul of draft picks. Maybe a disgruntled star looking for a new home. But replacing Brunson's production and identity would be incredibly difficult. The fan base, after years of mediocrity, finally found a hero. Moving him would be a tough sell, even for a significant return.
For Memphis, acquiring Brunson would mean going all-in. It’s a clear statement of intent: win now. They’d have one of the most dynamic, albeit undersized, backcourts in the league. The offensive firepower would be undeniable. But the defensive implications are also real. Both Morant and Brunson are average defenders at best. Who guards bigger wings? How do they protect the rim if their guards are being exploited on the perimeter?
My hot take? This move feels like a desperation play. The Grizzlies have built a strong culture and a competitive team. Adding Brunson, while adding talent, doesn't address their biggest need, which is arguably more size and versatile defense on the wing. It's a splashy move that might create more problems than it solves.
The Risk vs. Reward
The comparison to Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic in Dallas comes to mind. Two elite ball-dominant guards, both needing the rock to be effective. That experiment didn't exactly set the world on fire. While Brunson is a more willing secondary creator than Irving, and Morant is arguably more explosive than Doncic, the core issue of offensive hierarchy remains.
Memphis has a good thing going with their core. They just need to stay healthy and mature. Throwing a massive contract and multiple first-round picks at Brunson feels like a shortcut that might actually derail their organic growth. It could work, sure. Brunson is a winner. But the fit, both tactically and financially, is far from smooth.
I predict the Grizzlies ultimately decide the asking price for Brunson is too high, and they instead pursue a more complementary wing player who can shoot and defend, rather than spending big on another ball-dominant guard.