NBA Rumors: Memphis Grizzlies' O.J. Mayo Is Perfect Fit for Struggling NJ Nets

It's clear the New Jersey Nets, who currently sit in 13th place in the Eastern Conference, need some type of shake up before the season slips away.

Enter Memphis Grizzlies shooting guard O.J. Mayo. He's lost a vast majority of his playing time in Memphis and could benefit from a new team, which Fred Kerber of the New York Post reports could turn out to be the Nets.

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The Nets could pull the trigger on a deal for guard O.J. Mayo, according to league sources familiar with the thinking of the Nets and Grizzlies.

Just two days after sources said talks between the Nets and Grizzlies for a trade involving Mayo had fizzled out, a published report said the two teams are talking again. The Memphis Commercial Appeal reported the Nets have offered two scenarios for Mayo—Anthony Morrow in one deal or Jordan Farmar and a pick in another.

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While neither of those deals would see the Nets give up a significant package, the straight swap for Morrow is probably the team's best option. New Jersey would have a logjam if it had Morrow, Mayo and MarShon Brooks.

Mayo appeared well on his way to becoming an elite scorer in his first two seasons before watching his playing time drop dramatically last season.

He has taken his new bench role in stride, but appears to be forcing it on the offensive end in an attempt to push his way back into the starting lineup. Memphis head coach Lionel Hollins doesn't seem like he's ready to budge on that issue, though.

That makes a trade Mayo's best option. His path to playing time in New Jersey would be much more clear, and the Nets are in need of instant offense with Brook Lopez sidelined. And, given consistent minutes, Mayo is a more reliable option than the streaky Morrow.

Mayo has had his fair share of struggles on the defensive end, but that should be the least of New Jersey's worries right now. They rank near the bottom of the NBA in points per game, and if you can't score, you can't win. It's really that simple.

There's no reason Mayo couldn't return to his 18-point, four-rebound peak from his first two seasons, since there would be no shortage of playing time with the Nets.

It's a risk worth taking for New Jersey, because what's currently in place isn't working.

Deron Williams and Mayo would form a formidable backcourt while also allowing Brooks to focus solely on small forward. Even though it's not the league's best perimeter trio by any stretch, it's better than what the Nets are running out there right now.

There are conflicting reports about whose court the ball is in when it comes to accepting one of those proposed deals, but the Nets should do everything within their power to make sure it gets done.