OKC Thunder trade primer: Grit and Grind era ends for Grizzlies

Next up in the OKC Thunder trade deadline series T.I. looks at the Memphis Grizzlies who seek to move on from the era of Grit and Grind with a view to moving their core vets.

Tonight the OKC Thunder will take to the hardwood for a match versus the Memphis Grizzlies. But, by the time the teams arrive on court the squads could look drastically different depending on whether Grizzlies General Manager Chris Wallace is able to get the players and picks back he is seeking for his two stars.

Entering trade deadline day so many trades have already occurred it feels like we’re well into the mix of action. Several top talents have switched teams with Kristaps Porzingis heading to Dallas, Tobias Harris on his way to Philadelphia and Otto Porter moving to Chicago.

Yet the two players (aside from Anthony Davis) everyone expected to be moved are still sitting with their original squad. Of course, I’m referring to Mike Conley and Marc Gasol who Grizzlies management sat down with to discuss moving on from the era in which they led the key components of Grit and Grind basketball.

While most eyes will be on the two stars in Memphis today there are other players who Memphis could also put on the trade block.

Notably, the rumor mill heated up regarding Conley and Gasol but some of those leaks turned out to be precisely that – RUMORS. This isn’t an unusual method for teams to utilize. When a team is known for being tight-lipped (Thunder and Raptors are key among those) other teams will use them to throw things into the mainstream.

If you’re wondering why this practice occurs it’s so the team looking to trade players can generate additional buzz and build the impression more teams are interested than are.

Again, there are other players on the Grizzlies who the Thunder might want to make a call on who isn’t named Conley or Gasol.

With that let’s look at where the Grizzlies reside to start trade deadline day.