Grizzlies Could Take On Jakob Poeltl’s Contract; Draymond Green Mentioned in Giannis Negotiations
grizzlies-poeltl-draymond-giannis-trade-rumors
The Memphis Grizzlies are being discussed as a potential destination for Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl after creating a $28.9 million trade exception in the deal that sent Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Utah Jazz, according to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints.
Toronto is exploring a swap that would send Domantas Sabonis to the Sacramento Kings, but Sacramento has no interest in Poeltl, making a third team necessary to complete any agreement. Poeltl’s contract runs through the 2029-30 season and carries more than $100 million in remaining salary, which many executives view as a negative asset. Memphis could absorb the contract without moving salary but would likely require additional compensation.
The Chicago Bulls are also considered a possible facilitator, Siegel reports, though Chicago would need to match Poeltl’s $19.5 million cap hit with outgoing salary.
Warriors, Bucks Discuss Draymond Green
Anthony Slater of ESPN confirms that the Golden State Warriors have included Draymond Green in active trade talks with the Milwaukee Bucks regarding Giannis Antetokounmpo. With Jimmy Butler reportedly off the table, Green’s $25.9 million salary is considered vital for matching purposes in any Giannis proposal.
Heat Monitor Ja Morant in Addition to Giannis
The Miami Heat have expressed interest in Grizzlies guard Ja Morant in recent weeks, Anthony Chiang of The Miami Herald reports. However, multiple sources told Ira Winderman of The South Florida Sun Sentinel that Miami remains primarily focused on Antetokounmpo and could pursue both players if Memphis’ asking price for Morant is modest.
Timberwolves Weigh Options
Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic notes that the Minnesota Timberwolves are still monitoring Antetokounmpo’s status while exploring other trade possibilities. Krawczynski cautions that Minnesota’s recent cost-cutting move involving Mike Conley should not be viewed as a direct precursor to acquiring Giannis.
Jazz Stay Active After Jackson Deal
After obtaining Jackson from Memphis, the Utah Jazz continue to pursue additional moves, Tony Jones of The Athletic reports. Siegel adds that Utah has discussed packaging Jusuf Nurkic and his $19.3 million expiring contract in ongoing negotiations.
Marshall Hopes to Remain in Dallas
Amid speculation about his future, Dallas Mavericks forward Naji Marshall told Ron Harrod Jr. of DLLS Sports that he wants to spend his entire career alongside rising star Cooper Flagg, saying he expects Flagg “to create history.”
Source: HoopsRumors
