Tyreke Evans Trade Rumors: Grizzlies 'Holding out for a 1st-Round Pick'

Ahead of Thursday's 3 p.m. ET NBA trade deadline, the Memphis Grizzlies are reportedly holding out on a deal involving guard Tyreke Evans in hopes of getting a first-round pick.

According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the Boston Celtics, Denver Nuggets and Philadelphia 76ers have all shown interest, but they aren't looking to send more than a young player or a second-round pick to Memphis for Evans thus far.

Wojnarowski added that teams have been more stingy than usual in including first-round picks in trades.

The 28-year-old Evans has sat out Memphis' past five games as the team searches for a trade partner.

The 2009-10 Rookie of the Year is enjoying his best season since his debut campaign, averaging 19.5 points, 5.0 assists and 5.0 rebounds in 46 games.

He has been among the lone bright spots for a struggling Grizzlies team, but since he can become an unrestricted free agent during the offseason, Memphis must deal him or risk losing him for nothing.

After averaging at least 14.5 points per game in each of his first seven seasons split between the Sacramento Kings and New Orleans Pelicans, Evans took a big step back last season by putting up just 10.3 points per contest with the Pels and Kings.

He has found a comfortable situation in Memphis, but since the Grizzlies are 10.5 games out of a playoff spot, he will almost certainly be helping another team down the stretch.

Boston, Philadelphia and Denver would all benefit from Evans' scoring ability and versatility, and although a first-round pick is steep for a rental, none of them figure to be inside the lottery.