A Grizzlies trade idea sends Jerami Grant, Ty Jerome and D'Angelo Russell to Golden State for Jimmy Butler and a protected first-round pick.
The Memphis Grizzlies have made several transactions this summer. Could they make another one to add star Golden State Warriors wing Jimmy Butler?
OK, fine — that's not going to happen this summer. The Grizzlies are likely done making major moves. The Warriors may be too, although this organization is surrounded by uncertainty. There even seems to be a real possibility that they could move superstar guard Stephen Curry this summer.
It still feels more likely that they'll try to find him some help. Moving Butler's massive contract could be the first step, but with injuries making his future unclear, they likely wouldn't receive much for him right now.
If he doesn't improve his value by the deadline, the Grizzlies could strike.
Grizzlies Could Look to Add Assets From Warriors
Here's a loose framework for a deal I'm proposing:
Golden State Warriors receive:
- Jerami Grant
- Ty Jerome
- D'Angelo Russell
Memphis Grizzlies receive:
- Jimmy Butler
- 2028 First-Round Pick (Lottery Protected - GSW)
Warriors fans are already mad. I get it. The optics are rough here. They're giving up the best player in the deal, and draft capital?
Well — the assumption here is that Butler is no longer the best player in this deal. He's 37 and coming off a season-ending ACL injury. If he's a shade of his former self, the Warriors won't extract much value for him.
That's compounded by Butler's expiring deal. Whoever acquires him may be getting a one-year rental. Teams won't give up valuable assets for that reason, but for the Grizzlies, this is partly a way to move off of Grant's longer deal. That benefit, in addition to a protected first, should be enough for them to pull the trigger here.
But what's in it for the Warriors?
Warriors Add Talent in Proposed Deal
Firstly, the pick is lottery-protected. Based on how things have been going in the Bay Area, it's unlikely to convey. It's more likely that the Warriors are trading Butler for a cast of solid role players.
Grant may be more useful than Butler as soon as next year, but this is largely about Jerome. He could be the perfect guard for their rotation. At 6'5", Jerome can play next to Curry, but he can also back him up and pilot their offense comparably.
Finally, Grant's deal only has one extra year on it. After 2027-28, it expires. The Warriors are allowing themselves to improve the team here with minimal long-term consequences.
This deal depends on certain outcomes. If Butler returns and looks like his old self, it's a moot point. That said, if he's compromised, this trade could work for both sides.
Just don't hold your breath for it.
