In-depth analysis: Why can the Grizzlies bold trade of All-Star players work?

The Grizzlies can sign Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo in a tempting contract, or sign All-Stars like Laurie Markanen for a lower price. The Memphis Grizzlies, on the verge of injury, are about to spend the most critical summer in team history. Led by healthy and fully joining the team, Jay Morant and Jalen Jackson II, the defensive player of the year class, the door to the championship has been opened. To seize this opportunity, Executive Vice President and General Manager Zach Kleiman must explore ways to achieve Giannis Antetokounmpo or Kevin Durant.

Signing a real All-Star player requires a bold attempt and a willingness to pay higher prices, especially in the small ball market. To leap from the playoffs Hope Star to a true championship contender, introducing more top players is not only a luxury, but also a necessity. So, what are the chips for the Grizzlies in this market?

In short, between $7 million and $70 million, plus all future draft picks. The Memphis Grizzlies have all first-round picks after the 2025 NBA draft and can trade two seemingly valuable swap options (2026 and 2030). These three swap options involve the Phoenix Suns who have declined in form for two seasons, the Orlando Magic who have been in moderation in 2026, and the Washington Wizards who have been in a sluggish state in 2030.

Using the team's assets to sign an All-Star player will be a challenge and a headache. However, with Desmond Bain’s $36.7 million salary cap as the core of the deal, plus draft picks, and role players like Brandon Clark ($12.5 million) and John Conchar ($6.1 million), the Grizzlies have enough chips to create a sensation. The Grizzlies can trade up to four future first-round picks and six second-round picks. Due to the complexity of the contract, restricted free agent Santi Aldama ($11.9 million) is likely to be unable to trade except signing first and then exchange, but Zach Eddie's $6.04 million contract provides flexibility. Before the big news comes out, all that remains to be done is to build a viable framework.

Celtics cash out

The Boston Celtics had the opportunity to hang their 18th championship flag (2024), but this offseason will be covered up by ownership changes, early exits in the 2025 NBA playoffs and Jason Tatum's injury. Previous bosses are cashing out and selling the team for $6.1 billion. Given Tatum's injury, the team's new management has begun to worry that they may have to pay about $240 million in luxury taxes for the team that has passed the contract.

As for why the Celtics consider this deal? Well, Brown is the easiest player to trade right now, which can bring significant financial relief, which also prepares the team for the future. Bain, Eddie and the draft pick will bring younger core players and draft capital to Boston. Ju Holiday, Christapus Porzingis and Derek White won't be in exchange for a marginal All-Star, a Porzingis replacement with the best rookie potential, and three first-round draft picks.

Grizzlies win: Jaylen Brown ($53.14 million)

Celtics win: Desmond Bain, John Conchar, blocker Jackson/Vince Williams II, two first-round picks (2026, 2030), 2028 first-round pick swaps

Brown's scoring and defensive abilities will be seamlessly connected with Morant to form a dynamic backcourt combination, although the offensive end may lack outside shooting. The 28-year-old can also enhance the team's perimeter defense and playoff resilience, although at a costly price. Despite this, there are still rumors within the league that the Celtics will give up how much they will break the rules and reset the "repeated free throw" rules. Boston executives may even seek to completely exempt the penalty tax.

This deal brings the Celtics' goals closer and makes everything easier. The Celtics cannot retain all players and need some basic salary contracts to improve the lineup. Ju Holiday, Christapus Porzingis and Derek White will be given priority deals. White was very popular, but the Celtics’ asking price for Holiday and Porzingis is not yet clear. However, everyone knows what Boston is about. Avoid paying player taxes and reset the calculation time for punitive damages (pick loss).

Clayman can simplify the transaction while keeping Brandon Clark's contract for another deal. Stop thinking about Kevin Durant’s retirement journey. Try boldly, fight for the best players in Boston, provide more draft picks, and a better and younger player besides the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Looking for Laurie Markkanen

The management after the reorganization of the Utah Jazz is seeking to introduce Laurie Markkanen to truly start the reconstruction of the Western Rockies. Memphis needs stronger size, better shooting percentage, better rebounding and richer frontcourt depth. The seven-foot-tall Finnish talented player with top shooting percentage (38% from the last three seasons) is almost perfectly matched with Morant and Jackson Jr.

Grizzlies won: Laurie Markanen ($44.1 million)

Jazz won: Desmond Bain, Brandon Clark, 2026 first-round draft pick, 2027 exchange rights, protected 2028 first-round draft pick

Markanen, Morant and Jackson Jr. formed a devastating offensive trident. They can not only effectively solve space problems, but also create opponents' nightmare. Losing Bain is certainly heartbreaking, but Markkanen's outstanding performance will maximize the Grizzlies' chances of winning the championship. The diversity of space and defense alone can enhance Memphis' fast-paced offense. Kleiman can be called the era of "Healthy Finns", and Thomas Isalo and Markkanen will work together. The Jazz are in full rebuilding phase, and they get Bain and Clark to enhance the depth of the frontcourt and get draft picks to enhance future flexibility. Bain's scoring and organizational abilities are consistent with the Jazz's rebuilding needs and will be of great value before the trade deadline. Clark's defensive diversity is also very attractive to the Jazz in the rebuilding. Since Markanen’s contract is not very favorable to the team, a protected first-round pick can reduce the risk of the Memphis Grizzlies while bringing future flexibility to the Utah Jazz.

Danny Angie's negotiating ability is notoriously tough. The Jazz may need another draft pick or other assets. If so, expanding the size of the deal to John Conchar or Zach Eddie, as well as Walker Kessler, would have some advantage. A signal worth watching is whether Santi Aldama will sign an offer on other teams. Markkanen will obviously be the team's upgrade choice.

Pay Hall of Fame players

Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kevin Durant have allegedly found a place to stay in Texas and Florida, both states without income taxes. However, if one side of management is too greedy, these transactions may be abandoned halfway. If the Milwaukee Bucks really consider trading Giannis, the Memphis Grizzlies have to seize the opportunity.

Of course, the Grizzlies must be prepared to pay a substantial small market tax to make these negotiations go smoothly. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to bring a future Hall of Fame player alongside Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson II. Clayman must also know when to give up.

Grizzlies won: Giannis Antetokounmpo ($62.9 million), Pat Connaughton ($9.4 million)

Bucks won: Desmond Bain, Brandon Clark, Jimmy Jackson, 3 first-round picks (2026, 2028, 2030, 2032), 2 draft pick swap rights (2027, 2029)

This is definitely the ultimate reversal. The combination of Giannis, Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson is the most explosive trident in the modern NBA. The Grizzlies instantly became the favorite to win the championship. If Conchar and Connaughton are included in the trade, they can also trade players with stronger roster depth. The Grizzlies can bid more than most teams with a trading scheme centered around Bain and future assets. However, the Bucks may insist on getting Jackson, Bain and a lot of draft picks in an over-high negotiation. It's no wonder they are. Antetokounmpo's dominance and offensive ability in the interior will put the Grizzlies in the top ranks. The Greek monster's defensive diversity complements the traits of "City of Hardening".

It is imperative to have Milwaukee reject it. Milwaukee has received an experienced scorer, some valuable remaining players, and a large number of draft picks that started the reconstruction. The deal without Jackson Jr. has little prospect for Memphis, but if successful, it will be a home run for the aging league, community-enhanced community. This is also a typical example of paying "small market tax", so the line must be drawn. Giannis and Jabbar fight alone and cannot cause much damage in the Western Conference.

Reapers Dilemma

Bradley Bill's untradeable clause is causing chaos; Devin Booker is involved in the new coach selection. Matt Ishbiya's Phoenix Suns are in financial trouble and facing a breakup with Kevin Durant. Sacrifice of Bain, a rotation player and a future draft pick is expensive, but Durant's experience and scoring ability will make the Grizzlies an immediate playoff contender.

Grizzlies won: Kevin Durant ($51.1 million)

Suns won: Desmond Bain, Brandon Clark/Santi Aldama, Jim Jackson, two first-round draft picks (2026, 2028), 2030 draft pick swaps, two second-round draft picks (2025, 2027)

The influence and playoff experience of the 34-year-old veteran can bring earth-shaking changes alone. Durant's elite scoring ability will give Memphis the most dynamic offense in the league. At the same time, Bain and Devin Booker partnered with the backcourt were perfect. Aldama or Clark can provide some young players, rebounds and shooting abilities. The Suns may accept this contract with a large number of draft picks in order to regain draft capital with appropriate marketing strategies.

Seeking Domantas Sabonis

Grizzlies need more comprehensive offensive players. Domantas Sabonis hopes to get clearer ideas and more stable work before he is 30 years old. The Kings need to try some ways to break the team's deadlock. In short, there should be more communication between the two teams besides the already poured coffee.

Grizzlies won: Domantas Sabonis ($42.3 million)

Kings won: Desmond Bain, Brandon Clark/John Conchar, the protected 2026 first-round draft pick

Sabonis was twice selected as All-Star, bringing Memphis top organizational offensive ability (averages 8.2 assists per game) and rebounds (averages 13.9 per game). His high pass will provide more room for Morant's breakthrough and complement Jackson Jr.'s scoring ability in non-inside offenses. Sabonis and Jackson Jr. formed a versatile and skilled frontcourt combination that solved the problem of rebounding and half-court offense creation.

This deal sacrifices Bain's outside ability, but improves the team's overall offensive balance.. The Sacramento Kings may reorganize again after the duo of Zach Laven and Demar DeRozan fails to work, with them valuing Bain’s scoring ability, Conchar’s versatility, and a protected draft pick. The Kings may hesitate, but the change in direction may open doors to other opportunities for them. The price of championship ambitions The Grizzlies are at a crossroads with talented core players and enough trading assets to chase an All-Star player. Clayman must strike a balance between immediate benefits and long-term flexibility, especially as Santy Aldama becomes a restricted free agent and Jaren Jackson Jr. is about to renew his contract. Signing a star may allow Memphis to enter the championship battle now, but the cost will determine their future.

Each transaction contains huge risks. Trade Desmond Bain, the whole-hearted scorer and defender, is painful for the team’s top goal, but likely necessary. Exchange Jackson Jr. for Giannis will change the fate of the team. Exchange multiple picks for the old version of Durant or Sabonis, which means mortgage futures.

However, the Grizzlies are now ready to win. Being self-confidence may waste Morant’s exciting golden years. Zach Kleiman built this team through smart drafts and training; the next step is to use these assets boldly to create mature stars who can change the game. The "small market tax" is real, but the potential rewards of winning the NBA championship flag in Memphis are worth a try.