OJ Mayo Suspended, Is this the Final Straw?

The NBA trade deadline is approaching in a few weeks. Despite Mayo's recent infraction, his name will be in the talks for several trades. I don't believe that Mayo's latest incident will put an end to all speculation, but his trade value did diminish after this latest incident.

Being traded will benefit Mayo, as it could present itself as a second chance for a potentially promising career. At this point in the season, there are many teams willing to make a playoff push and that often comes by reconstructing the roster.

The Grizzlies stand at 24-24 as of now, and are on their way to making a strong push for the playoffs. Playing in the West, winning 45 games would be ideal for an eighth seed. The Grizzlies could use a veteran presence in the locker room that can help Zach Randolph & Co. lead this group to the playoffs. There will be a time during the end fo the season when a veteran comes in handy.

Last season the Memphis Grizzlies were primed for a playoff run. Playing in the brutal Western Conference changed the playoff outlook for the Grizz. Every game counts from this point forward. Trade talks start with Mayo, but there are other players on the roster that can be packaged with him to complete a trade. Players such as Rip Hamilton, Andre Iguodala, Stephen Jackson, and Troy Murphy have all been subjected to trade rumors. Murphy has a lucrative expiring contract, but his services will not be needed in Memphis.

OJ Mayo and Charlotte may be a great fit. If the Bobcats are willing to part ways with "Captain Jack," this could bode well for both organizations. Charlotte will have a young player to build around and the Grizzlies would have a veteran leader with a great amount of playoff experience.

Head coach Lionel Hollins and General Manager Chris Wallace may pull the trigger when the trading deadline approaches. Mayo is a very talented player. The question that looms: Is the latest incident the last straw for his ticket out of town? We shall see how the soap opera with O.J. Mayo will end. Welcome an episode of "As The World Turns: The OJ Mayo and Memphis Grizzlies."