NBA Trade Rumors: Can the Grizzlies Still Deal OJ Mayo After Positive Drug Test?

Today, like many other days this season, have been forgettable for OJ Mayo. Mayo has been suspended by the NBA for 10 games for violating the league's anti-drug program with a positive drug test.

This may put a cog in the trade process with Mayo, as a lot of teams may shy away from him after this incident. He was also involved in an altercation with teammate Tony Allen stemming from a gambling debt on a team airplane.

The Memphis Grizzlies have been shopping Mayo for quite some time. Due to a repeat of events, he may be in a Grizzlies uniform longer than expected because it may be a stretch for a team to trade for him at this time.

The talent has always been there for Mayo. His trade value has taken a hit this season though due to his regression on the court and a few character red flags. Mayo is only 23 years old and has a lot of basketball left in him. He needs to be on a veteran team so he can see how to become a true professional.

The Dallas Mavericks, Utah Jazz and Chicago Bulls, along with several other teams, have a need at the two-guard position. The Memphis Grizzlies may need to realize that they need to take what they can get in order to move Mayo in a trade.

The NBA is big on character, so it is important to represent a team with professionalism at all times. Coach Lionel Hollins may be stuck with Mayo longer than expected due to this latest fiasco though.

A change of scenery would benefit him. Mayo's draft mate Michael Beasley went through a similar episode while playing for the Miami Heat. He was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves this offseason and is on course to have his best season as a pro.

Talent cannot be taught; it is God-given. Character is something that can be taught and built over time. The trade deadline is coming up in February.

I believe Mayo is a low-risk, high-reward kind of trade option. The only question remains is, is OJ Mayo worth a gamble?  The answer should be yes!