The Memphis Grizzlies made major changes this summer. Here's how the Cameron Boozer pick, Ja Morant trade and four other moves rank.
The Memphis Grizzlies have made a lot of moves this summer. How do those moves stack up against each other?
It's going to be a controversial topic. Not everyone will agree. That's part of the fun of NBA discussion, so take these rankings with a healthy grain of salt.
But here's how we're ranking the six major moves Memphis made this summer.
6. The Santi Aldama Trade
It should be said up front that most critics agree the Grizzlies had a good summer. Most of these moves were good decisions to varying degrees.
But this one felt a little puzzling.
The Grizzlies traded 25-year-old combo big man Santi Aldama to the Dallas Mavericks for guard AJ Johnson, a top-20 protected first-round pick, and a second-rounder.
Yes, Memphis is rebuilding, but the small-market Grizzlies will probably want to be competitive again as soon as the season after next. They're unlikely to find a player as useful as Aldama outside the top 20. He's a positive defender and a floor-spacing big man.
So why not keep him around?
5. The Quinten Post Signing
That said, the Post acquisition softens the blow.
He's not as quick-footed as Aldama defensively, but he's smart and has quick instincts on that end. More importantly, Post is a legitimate floor spacer.
Over two seasons, he's hit 36.4% of his 4.3 3-point attempts per game. It will be interesting to see how Cameron Boozer functions alongside a big man who can pull defenders away from the basket.
But surprisingly, Post wasn't even the best stretch five the Grizzlies acquired this summer.
4. The Isaiah Stewart Trade
Stewart isn't as strong of a shooter as Post. He's hit 34.3% of his 1.8 3-point attempts per game throughout his career.
But the gap between them defensively can't be understated.
Stewart is one of the best defensive bigs in the NBA. He's an outstanding rim protector who can also survive in space. His limited offense has kept him below 30 minutes per game, but at the price of three second-round picks, Stewart was an outstanding acquisition.
3. Drafting Karim López
López was a good choice in the first round, but it's the series of moves Memphis made to land him that really stands out.
Initially, the Grizzlies had the 16th overall pick. They traded it for the 17th pick and two second-rounders, then moved that pick for No. 21 and three more second-rounders.
So in total, Memphis picked up five second-round picks and still selected a player who was frequently mocked as high as No. 14.
Whether López works out or not, that's just smart management.
2. The Ja Morant Trade
This one might be controversial.
Nobody could argue that the Grizzlies got a haul for Morant. They received Jerami Grant and Kris Murray for their one-time franchise player.
That's unfortunate, but at this point, it was time for Memphis to move on. Morant had been the subject of too many trade rumors for too long, and the writing was on the wall.
His trade value was in the gutter, so getting off his contract alone was a significant win.
Besides, the Grizzlies picked up a new franchise player this summer.
1. Drafting Cameron Boozer
Sure, it was a no-brainer decision.
That doesn't mean it wasn't the best one the Grizzlies made all summer.
Certain analysts believe Boozer will be the best player in his class. Time will tell on that front.
Either way, he gives Memphis a north star to immediately build around after Morant's departure. Nothing could be more important than that.
Even in a summer with this many moves.
