The Memphis Grizzlies are exploring potential trades as they work to resolve their roster crunch ahead of the October 19 deadline to reduce their standard roster to 15 players. According to Jake Fischer, Memphis has been examining trade possibilities involving GG Jackson II and Walter Clayton Jr.
Per Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, the Golden State Warriors and Miami Heat are two teams that have previously rated Clayton highly, making them relevant names to watch if Memphis decides to move the rookie. At the same time, Fischer claimed that Micah Peavy, who was acquired from the New Orleans Pelicans in September, is most at risk of being waived like Jordan Hawkins and D'Angelo Russell if no further trades materialize.
That is also something ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel recently suggested, who claimed that Kris Murray might follow Hawkins and Peavy as the players who are cut by Memphis.
“If Peavy and Hawkins are both waived by the Grizzlies, that leaves one more player needing to be cut. Kris Murray would be the obvious answer, assuming he doesn't stand out in camp,” he wrote.
The Grizzlies entered the final stretch of preseason with 16 players on fully guaranteed contracts, with Jaylen Wells expected to make the team as well. That leaves Memphis needing to create roster space before the deadline.
Article Continues BelowThe Grizzlies’ current position on Clayton represents a change from their stance earlier this year. In February, when the Grizzlies negotiated their return in the blockbuster trade that sent Jaren Jackson Jr. to Utah, sources said Memphis valued Clayton highly.
The immediate question is whether Memphis can complete trades involving players such as Clayton or Jackson before resorting to additional waivers. The Warriors and Heat are relevant to monitor because of their reported historical interest in Clayton, but it remains to be seen if that interest will translate to a potential trade in what is left of the offseason.