NBA Trade Rumors: Grizzlies' OJ Mayo Becoming Too Valuable to Trade

You may remember that Memphis Grizzlies guard O.J. Mayo appeared destined to be dealt before last season's trade deadline.

Now, it appears he's too valuable to trade.

Mayo certainly had his fair share of troubles with the Grizzlies in the first half of the season in 2010. He was relegated to a sixth man role and reportedly got into a fight with teammate Tony Allen on a team flight.

But since then, he's rebounded. In the conference semifinals last season, Mayo played over 32 minutes a game, averaging 13.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.1 steals.

This season, Mayo has appeared to embrace his sixth man role, shooting 45 percent from the field and 48 percent from downtown.

Said Mayo, via the Commercial-Appeal:

"

I can play and I'm an offensive threat. It's not like I'm going to put it up every time. But I can make a play. At the end of the day, coach (Lionel) Hollins and I have grown...

I'm happy in Memphis. Don't get it twisted. I love the foundation we've built. This is my comfort. I'm good.

"

The Grizzlies indeed have a solid foundation, complete with point guard Mike Conley, small forward Rudy Gay, center Marc Gasol and power forward Zach Randolph before he got injured. They surprised in the playoffs last season as an up-and-coming team, knocking off the San Antonio Spurs and taking the Oklahoma City Thunder down to the wire in the conference semifinals.

On Saturday against the Sacramento Kings, Mayo scored a season-high 22 points, going 8-of-16 from the field and 6-of-10 from downtown. He's playing at a very high level right now, and that bodes well for the Grizzlies moving forward.

How things have changed. Mayo has gone from being a problem for the Grizzlies to being a success story and a valuable member of the team. If he keeps playing like this, there's no way the Grizzlies will part with him before the deadline.