NBA Rumors: Why Memphis Grizzlies Should Move O.J. Mayo This Season

Rumors are heating up around the NBA, and one of the latest involves O.J. Mayo of the Memphis Grizzlies. If the team is smart, they'll waste no time in getting rid of the young shooting guard. 

According to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports, the Grizzlies were in talks with the New Jersey Nets about possibly moving Mayo. 

According to Ronald Tillery of the Memphis Commercial Appeal, the Nets offered guard Anthony Morrow, as well as point guard Jordan Farmar, a draft pick and cash in exchange for Mayo.

The Grizzlies have thought about dealing Mayo before, but now is the time they should actually pull the trigger. 

 

Saving Money 

Mayo is in the final year of his rookie contract, and trading him would help both the Grizzlies and the Nets out financially. 

Memphis isn't likely to give Mayo a contract extension before the season is over, and it wouldn't be surprising if he bolted for a new team next year.

He's a restricted free agent, meaning the Grizzlies could match the offer, but I doubt they want to bring him back. Getting talent in return for a player that might be leaving at the end of the year is a smart move. 

New Jersey, on the other hand, is looking to free up salary cap space in order to make a run at Dwight Howard during free agency. 

Dealing Mayo helps both teams save money, which is one of the reasons a deal needs to get done soon. 

Trouble Mayo 

Mayo's name is no stranger to the trading block, but the Grizzlies never made a deal.

Since they've had multiple opportunities to deal him, they shouldn't wait any longer to finally get rid of the troubled shooting guard. 

Last season, Mayo was suspended for 10 games because he tested positive for a banned substance. 

In addition to that, Mayo was in a fight with Tony Allen on the team plane. It was over a gambling debt, and the report states Allen punched Mayo so hard is face was "swollen." 

The 24-year-old needs a change of scenery, and he's going to get it whether the Grizzlies trade him or he leaves on his own. 

The Grizzlies are better off getting something in return for Mayo, and the Nets have given them an offer that is worthy enough to move the troubled young player. 

Moving Forward 

Mayo is averaging 11 points in his last 10 games, and has the skills to help this team compete. He has yet to start this season, but he does share an equal number of minutes with Tony Allen. 

However, the Grizzlies are better off trading Mayo away because it saves them money, and it allows them to get rid of player who's been a constant headache in recent years. 

Memphis may not pull the trigger on a deal with the Nets, but the Grizzlies would be wise to move Mayo at some point before the trade deadline.