NBA Trade Rumors: Why the Memphis Grizzlies Need to Keep O.J. Mayo

Coming off of the best season in franchise history, the Grizzlies did a fine job of keeping their starting five and several of the key reserves on this year's squad.

However, there were still changes made. Because of injuries before, and in the beginning of, the season, to forwards Darrell Arthur and Zach Randolph, the Grizzlies made moves to get Dante Cunningham and Marreese Speights.

The Grizzlies also traded away their back-up point guard, Greivis Vasquez, to the Hornets for forward Quincy Pondexter, after seeing the production of new additions Josh Selby and Jeremy Pargo.

Though the starting five remained the same, the Grizzlies needed time to work together and get better as a team.

After starting the season 3-6, the Grizzlies are now 10-7 and seem to have gotten used to each other's play. Now that they are getting into the belly of the season, it would not be wise to make another move and make the players learn how to play with someone new.

O.J. Mayo's now settled in the sixth man role, so trading him would change several players' roles; this could potentially be devastating to team chemistry.

The Grizzlies Lack 3-Point Shooting

In addition to affecting the team chemistry, moving Mayo would harm the team's overall ability to shoot.

Mayo is by far the Grizzlies' best three-point shooter, hitting on 43 percent this season. Mayo has 24 made three-point shots this season; that's 11 more than the next closest Grizzly (Mike Conley, 13).

The Grizzlies are known for their play in the paint; the team has led the league in the category two years in a row.

With so much of their points coming from one spot on the court, it's easy for teams to hone in and lock down on stopping them in the paint. O.J. gives the Grizzlies big men someone to kick the ball out to when the double team comes.

Without Mayo, players wouldn't have to worry about covering the three ball.

Gives Team "Juice" off the Bench

After starting 163 out of his first 164 games in the NBA last year, Lionel Hollins made the decision to use O.J. off the bench in order to give them a little shot in the arm.

Though the role was new to Mayo last year, this year, he seems more comfortable with coming off the bench, and his numbers have improved from last season.

With Mayo getting more comfortable, he will be able to give the Grizzlies plenty of points off the bench.

This issue is even greater after Darrell Arthur went down to a season ending injury. Without Arthur helping Mayo score off the bench, O.J. will become more of a leader to the second group that comes out there.

Mayo Provides Grizzlies with Versatility

Mayo doesn't have the size of a prototypical shooting guard, and while this could be a problem for a starter, it's not one for Mayo.

By this, I mean that the Grizzlies have plenty of options for the five on the court, especially when Mayo is one of those five.

If the team needs to score, or is in a big game, the lineup could include Mayo with the starting crew to try and make a run. On the flip side, if the starters are worn out and need a blow, Mayo can come in with the backups and lead the squad against any team in the NBA.

Grizzlies Won't Get Equal Value for Mayo

Last season, Mayo was actually traded to the Pacers for forward Josh McRoberts. However, in an embarrassing mix-up, the trade fell through and was rejected.

McRoberts is now a member of the Lakers, and the Grizzlies have acquired several forwards since this trade died. That leads to the interesting question of, what would the Grizzlies want for Mayo?

Seeing as losing Mayo would be losing their best three-point shooter, the Grizzlies would probably want a player similar to Mayo in the trade. This is because all the other roles on the team seem to be filled with players capable of executing.

So, unless the Grizzlies are able to get veterans like Jason Terry or Jamal Crawford, it does not seem worth it to give up a talent such as O.J. Mayo.

Without Zach Randolph, Grizzlies and Mayo Going Strong

With last season's points and rebounds leader, Zach Randolph, getting injured in the season's fourth game, the Grizzlies looked like they were in trouble. Randolph is likely to miss two months with a torn knee ligament.

However, the team has been resilient without their beloved Z-Bo and have gone 9-4 in his absence.

Each player has stepped up to make up for the injury, and that means Mayo as well. Now that the Grizzlies need extra scoring more than usual, Mayo is putting up solid shooting numbers.

Mayo is making 46 percent of his shots and 43 percent of his shots beyond the arc. With Mayo producing, it would not seem wise for the Grizzlies will move Mayo.