Memphis's Point Guard Predicament
Look, the Memphis Grizzlies are at a crossroads. Ja Morant’s ongoing off-court issues have left a gaping hole at point guard, and the team needs stability. Desmond Bane and Marcus Smart are solid, but neither is a primary playmaker in the way Memphis needs to compete in the Western Conference. That’s why the whispers about Jalen Brunson heading south from New York have started to gain real traction in league circles. It’s a move that makes some sense on paper, but the reality is far more complicated than a simple player-for-player swap.
Brunson, coming off a season where he averaged 28.7 points and 6.7 assists for the Knicks, is exactly the kind of offensive engine a team like Memphis could crave. He’s tough, he’s clutch, and he can create his own shot. He shot 40.1% from three-point range in 2023-24, a significant improvement from his Dallas days. But acquiring him would require Memphis to gut a significant portion of their roster or future assets, and for a team already in luxury tax territory, that's a tough pill to swallow.
The Tactical Tango: Brunson and Bane
Here's the thing: Brunson and Bane together could be a dynamic backcourt offensively. Brunson’s ability to operate in the pick-and-roll, drawing defenders and finding open shooters, would complement Bane’s sharpshooting perfectly. Imagine Brunson driving, collapsing the defense, and kicking out to Bane for a corner three – that’s a nightmare for opposing teams. In 2023-24, Bane averaged 23.7 points, hitting 38.1% from deep on over 8 attempts per game. That kind of spacing would open up the floor for Brunson to do what he does best.
But then you look at the defensive end. Brunson, listed at 6’1”, isn't exactly a lockdown defender. He plays with heart, sure, but he's often targeted by bigger guards. Bane, while he tries, isn't an elite perimeter stopper either. You'd have two undersized guards in the starting lineup, and that immediately raises concerns about defending bigger backcourts like the Lakers with D'Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves, or even the Clippers with James Harden and Paul George. Marcus Smart would mitigate some of that, but he can't guard two positions at once. This move, while exciting offensively, creates a defensive vulnerability Memphis hasn't really had since their 'Grit and Grind' days.
And what about the ball distribution? Brunson thrives with the ball in his hands. Bane also needs touches to get into a rhythm. Finding that balance, especially with Brandon Clarke and Jaren Jackson Jr. also needing their looks, would be a challenge for coach Taylor Jenkins. It's not as simple as plugging in a star; you have to consider the ecosystem.
The Financial Headache for Memphis
Real talk: Brunson is on a four-year, $104 million deal, with two years remaining. His salary for next season is around $26.3 million. That's a significant chunk of change, and Memphis is already projected to be over the luxury tax line. To acquire Brunson, the Grizzlies would almost certainly have to send out a combination of players and draft picks. Luke Kennard ($14.7 million) and Steven Adams ($12.6 million) are two names that immediately come to mind for salary matching, but Adams is coming off a serious knee injury and Kennard's value is purely as a shooter.
Then you've got the draft capital. The Knicks would demand at least one, probably two, unprotected first-round picks given Brunson's All-NBA level play. Memphis doesn't have a treasure trove of extra picks, having already traded some for Smart. Giving up future firsts, especially with the uncertainty surrounding Morant's long-term availability, feels like a massive gamble. Are the Grizzlies willing to mortgage their future for a player who, while excellent, might only push them from a play-in team to a second-round exit?
This isn't like the Jrue Holiday trade to Milwaukee, where the Bucks had a clear championship window and a fully healthy Giannis Antetokounmpo. Memphis's situation is far more precarious. They'd be taking on a huge salary, losing valuable depth, and giving up future assets, all while navigating a murky situation with their franchise player. It's a move that could handcuff them financially for years, limiting their ability to make other moves around Brunson.
Knicks' Perspective: More Than Just Assets
From the Knicks' side, trading Brunson seems almost unthinkable. He's been their undisputed leader, carrying them to a 50-win season and a second-round playoff appearance. He's the heart and soul of that team. But every player has a price, and if Memphis offered a package centered around multiple unprotected first-round picks and a promising young player like Brandon Clarke, Leon Rose would have to at least listen. Clarke, when healthy, is an athletic big who could thrive in Tom Thibodeau's system, and he's on a team-friendly deal. Plus, the Knicks have a history of making bold moves, remember the Donovan Mitchell pursuit?
The Knicks' biggest need, despite their success, is a true superstar. Trading Brunson, while painful, could open up cap space and provide the assets needed to go after a different tier of player down the line. Say, for example, a disgruntled superstar becomes available next summer. Having an extra $26 million in cap space and multiple first-round picks would put them in prime position. It’s a long-shot scenario, but it’s a scenario nonetheless.
Ultimately, a Brunson trade to Memphis feels like a desperate swing for the fences. The Grizzlies need a steady hand, but the cost and the fit, especially defensively, raise serious red flags. I think Memphis should look for a more complementary, less ball-dominant guard who can defend, even if it means sacrificing some offensive firepower.
Bold Prediction:
The Grizzlies will ultimately decide the financial and asset cost for Jalen Brunson is too high, opting instead to pursue a lower-tier veteran point guard and wait to see how Morant's situation evolves next season.