NBA Rumors: Memphis Grizzlies Would Be Foolish to Trade OJ Mayo

The Memphis Grizzlies seem fine with trading OJ Mayo and I cannot understand why; he is an elite talent who has superstar written all over him.

On Tuesday, a deal that had included Indiana Pacers forwards Josh McRoberts and Brandon Rush going to the Grizzlies in exchange for Mayo was reportedly dead, according to Sports Illustrated.

The fact that this trade was even discussed shows how unable the Grizzlies are of understanding Mayo's talent and finding ways to best develop it. If this trade went down and Memphis got this return for a star in the making, it would have been a huge slap in the face to Mayo.

Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant said the following about Mayo prior to his 2007-08 rookie season, via Inside Hoops:

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“I think the world of him,” Bryant said. “I think he’s extremely talented. I think he has a great overall game that a lot of young players don’t have in terms of skills. He can handle, he can shoot, he can pass, he’s fast, he’s quick, so that’s the whole package.”

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For Mayo to improve his many skills that Bryant mentions in that quote, he must play the minutes necessary to work on them.

However, the Grizzlies gave him a much lesser role last season, as he started just 17 games of the 81 he played. Mayo averaged about 38 minutes per game in his first two seasons in the NBA but got just 26.3 minutes per game last season.

That is absurd, and a real mistake by the Grizzlies. Mayo is a great scoring talent, and after averaging over 17 points per game in his first two seasons, he averaged just 11.3 last year.

Mayo has the ability to be an elite offensive talent, but when he gets under 20 minutes a game and rarely starts, how do you expect him to reach his potential?

For one, he is an amazing dribbler and has unbelievable ball-handling skills. His quickness and ability to blow by defenders and get to the basket and finish is among the best in the league.

He runs the floor well and is even a good passer. Mayo should touch the ball at least once per possession because either he is going to score, or he will create a good shot for a teammate.

The Grizzlies made a huge mistake when they signed Mike Conley to his current contract. He is really overrated and has about half the talent Mayo does.

It's insane that Conley gets more playing time than Mayo. Memphis gave Conley a $45 million over five seasons in 2010, and last season, he averaged 13.2 points and 6.5 assists per game.

That's weak production from a point guard making big money. It's safe to say he has been a disappointment after being selected No. 4 in the 2007 NBA Draft.

If Mayo goes to a team where he can start and be a primary scoring option, watch out, because he will show everyone why the Grizzlies made a massive mistake in not giving him a fair chance to showcase his talents.

I also dare you to tell me that Mayo does not play good defense, because he does. He has averaged over a steal per game in his career and has the quickness not to get beaten off the dribble. He also has great hands and is able to read passes quite well.

Pacers general manager Larry Bird probably thought he was going to pull off one of the most lopsided trades in years over the last few days, but for now, Mayo is still a Grizzly.

Unless Memphis wakes up and realizes that Mayo needs to start and play a major role in the offense to be successful, then they should trade him to a team that won't be so foolish.

I don't know how a team with such a talented player can be so clueless on figuring out how to use him best. Mayo has superstar potential, but you can bet he will never reach that level as long as he wears a Grizzlies jersey.

Nicholas Goss is an NBA Featured Columnist at Bleacher Report, follow him on Twitter.

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