Moving to Memphis
Memphis Grizzlies receive: SG Avery Bradley, SG Jerome Robinson
LA Clippers receive: SG Dillon Brooks, PF JaMychal Green
The Grizzlies always start off hot in their Grit and Grind era. Last season was no exception, but instead of Zach Randolph and Tony Allen, they had Tyreke Evans who was just starting to revitalize his career. Their leader and floor general Mike Conley went down with an injury early in the season that sidelined him for the rest of the year, and that really took the wind out of their sails. They went on to experience a dark horse Rookie of the Year campaign from Dillon Brooks and a 19 game losing streak that led to them landing the fourth pick in the 2018 NBA Draft where they selected Jaren Jackson Jr from Michigan State. Now that Conley is back and with a new prospect in Jackson at power forward, the Grizzlies are dominant once again. The aforementioned Brooks suffered an MCL sprain and will be missing major time. Garrett Temple can replace Brooks, but they should really test the market to see if they can get another shooting guard.
In this trade, the Grizzlies would get Avery Bradley to replace Brooks. Bradley is older and has more of the “Win Now” mentality that aligns with that of the team. The Grizzlies would be looking for his three point shooting to go back to normal, as they rank 23rd among all teams in three point makes per game. Jerome Robinson would be a replacement prospect for Brooks. Robinson has received very little run with the Clippers this season and has been assigned to the G-League multiple times, but he is young and will likely be a decent shooting guard in a few years.
The Clippers would be doing three things with this trade. First, they would be reduce their surplus of guards while bolstering their front-court. Losing both Bradley and Robinson would open up more minutes for the rest of their guards. Green would be a vital player who could get 10 points and 8 rebounds off the bench each night.
Second, they would be getting rid of guaranteed money for next season. Trading Bradley and Robinson would open up more money for the Clippers to sign star free agents, or to re-sign Green and Brooks in this case.
Third and lastly, the Clippers would be getting better. Brooks, this far into their careers, is looking much better than Robinson. That may switch later, but as of now, Brooks is superior. Also, Green’s effective post scoring and rebounding is something that the Clippers could use. Bradley has been injured, but when he has played for the Clippers, it has been less than stellar. In theory, Bradley would fit in much better on a team like the Grizzlies.