NBA Trade Rumors: Grizzlies Eye 'a Big Wing with a Defensive Edge' Ahead of Deadline

The Memphis Grizzlies appear primed to return to the playoffs this season after going 27-55 in 2023-24, and they may look to add an impact player on the wing to help their chances ahead of the stretch run.

Sam Vecenie of The Athletic reported Sunday that Memphis "is in the market for a big wing with a defensive edge."

With that as the backdrop, Vecenie called the Grizzlies his "favorite wild-card" in the potential Jimmy Butler sweepstakes and noted the Western Conference team was interested in Dorian Finney-Smith before the Los Angeles Lakers acquired him.

Butler—who the Miami Heat suspended and are open to trading—would be a massive addition who would change the entire fabric of the team on the court. The six-time All-Star would be another go-to option alongside Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. and be capable of guarding the opponent's best wing on a nightly basis.

However, the Grizzlies may not need to take that much of a swing to improve their overall outlook.

They are 23-13 and tied for second place in the Western Conference. Even incremental improvement on the wing would elevate their ceiling and likely wouldn't cost as much as a Butler trade.

That they are looking for help on the wing isn't particularly surprising, as they could run into bigger, physical players such as LeBron James, Luka Dončić, Kawhi Leonard, Anthony Edwards, Kevin Durant or more in the Western Conference postseason.

Morant and Jackson give the Grizzlies excellent players in the backcourt and frontcourt. An additional wing who can take some of the defensive pressure off their shoulders would surely be a welcome on-court development.