Memphis Grizzlies Trade Rumors: Sam Young May Be Dealt To Sign Gilbert Arenas

The Memphis Grizzlies are suddenly in a dealing mood. The Grizzlies are looking to add scoring depth in the backcourt and they're primarily looking at Gilbert Arenas, according to the Commercial Appeal. Sam Young may be traded to make an Arenas signing happen.

The Grizzlies and Arenas have shown mutual interest. The aforementioned Commercial Appeal report notes that the two sides have arranged for a meeting. Grizzlies officials want to see Arenas workout in order to determine whether he's a fit to sign with the team.

A three-time All-Star, Arenas has yet to play for an NBA team this season. In 2010-11, Arenas played 21 games for the Washington Wizards before being traded to the Orlando Magic, where he played 49 games to finish the year. He averaged 15.1 points, 5.5 assists and 1.5 steals per game, while shooting a mere 36.6 percent from the field.

Arenas, 30, would add a significant scoring presence to the Grizzlies. He's averaged 19 or more points per game six times and averaged 25 or more per game three times. Arenas would bring a much-needed three-point shooting ability.

A 35.1 percent career three-point shooter, Arenas led the NBA in three-point field goals made and attempted in 2006-07.

The Grizzlies would have to trade Young in order to acquire Arenas. Memphis is teetering around the luxury tax threshold. Signing Arenas would ensure that the Grizzlies would have to pay it, something Grizzlies owner Michael Heisley has said he doesn't want to do.

The Grizzlies have been active in recent days seeking to trade Young, a third-year guard out of Pittsburgh. The Grizzlies have spoken with at least six teams about a trade involving Young, for whom the chances of trading are 50 percent at this point.

Young, who becomes a restricted free agent after this season, is averaging 3.5 points and two rebounds in 21 games this season. He's been hampered with back and ankle injuries.

Last season, Young started 46 of 78 games, averaging 7.3 points and 2.5 rebounds per game. He stepped into the starting lineup when Rudy Gay went down with a season-ending shoulder injury.

Other trade possibilities for the Grizzlies might be Iranian center Hamed Haddadi or O.J. Mayo. Haddadi, who becomes a free agent after this year, is making $2 million this year. Mayo, who also becomes a free agent after the season, is reported by HoopsWorld to be off the market. However, teams might still call the Grizzlies about him.

The NBA trade deadline is 2 p.m. on Thursday. Whether the Grizzlies make a deal involving Young or anyone else in order to sign Arenas and stay under the luxury tax threshold will be interesting to see.

From my standpoint, Young is a good bet to be traded, at the very least to ensure the Grizzlies stay under the luxury tax threshold.