Did The Grizzlies Get Enough For Triple J
Clayton Jr. is a scoring combo guard who has had his ups and downs as a rookie. The 22-year-old averages 6.8 points and 3.2 assists with shooting splits of 39.8/30.8/93.5. He has scored in double-figures 11 times, including one 20-point effort.
Clayton Jr should take over Vince Williams Jr’s role as the Griz’s fourth guard. He figures to be behind Jerome, Cedric Coward, and Cam Spencer, along with perhaps Morant.
Hendricks is also just 22, though he is already in his third year. Hendricks has dealt with injuries and on-court struggles. He averages 4.9 points and 3.0 rebounds in 15 minutes this season over 33 games.
However, Hendricks still has tremendous upside due to his size, mobility, and shooting ability. Hendricks is at his best in pick-n-pop actions — he averages 1.1 threes at a 36% clip for his career, and transition. He is also a strong weak-side shot blocker and can play all three frontcourt positions.
Anderson is a quality reserve forward who likely won’t have much of a role with the Grizzlies, given they’re likely to give their youngsters plenty of playing time in the future. He is under contract for $9.6 million next season.
Niang hasn’t played all season as he is dealing with a foot injury. He is on an expiring contract and is a buyout candidate.
Additionally, the trade created the largest-ever trade exception for the Grizzlies, valued at $28.8 million, per ESPN’s Shams Charania.
The main prize, of course, is the draft picks. Phoenix’s 2031 unprotected is the most valuable at this point. The Lakers are expected to be good next year. The Cavaliers and the Timberwolves should be good as well. While the Jazz are projected to be the worst of the three, they should at least be able to compete for a playoff spot.
Trade Grade: B-
