The Memphis Grizzlies have slipped into an early-season rut. They’re 8-12, stuck in 10th in the West, and can’t build any rhythm on offense or defense. Even their 4-6 split at both home and on the road shows this isn’t about the schedule. The team just isn’t clicking.
Injuries have driven most of the problems. Ja Morant went down again after a rough 11-game run. Ty Jerome, Brandon Clarke, Javon Small, and Scotty Pippen Jr. are all out for extended stretches.
That left the backcourt thin and pushed Jaren Jackson Jr. into carrying more weight alongside a mix of role players. With so much instability, they need a real spark to climb back into the race in the West.
THIS IS A PREDICTION, NOT A REPORT.
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Jaden McDaniels to the Grizzlies: Potential Trade Idea
Grizzlies Receive: Jaden McDaniels
Timberwolves Receive: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cedric Coward, 2026 first-round pick
This deal gives Memphis a young, elite wing who fits its defensive identity and timeline. Minnesota gets a veteran shooter, an upside rookie, and a future pick.
Why McDaniels is a Prize for Memphis
Jaden McDaniels has pushed his game forward again for Minnesota. He’s scoring 15.7 points with 4.8 rebounds and 2.4 assists, piling up steals and blocks, and hitting more than 52 percent of his shots. He’s handling a bigger role next to Anthony Edwards and logging over 30 minutes a night.
He still drives his value on defense. McDaniels takes on big wings, blows up actions, switches freely, and offers extra rim protection. Minnesota leaned on him during last year’s playoff run, and he answered every call.
His offense is catching up. He cuts with better timing, hits spot-up shots with more confidence, and finishes in transition at a higher rate, which makes him far more than a defensive specialist.
Put him in Memphis, and he fits right in. His length and movement blend smoothly with their switch-heavy style. On offense, he works well next to Morant by spacing the floor and scoring without needing the ball much.
He would immediately upgrade their perimeter defense and give an injured rotation some much-needed stability.
What Minnesota Gets Back
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
Caldwell-Pope still defends at a high level and gives Minnesota a steady veteran presence. His scoring isn’t what it was in Denver or Los Angeles, but he remains a trusted shooter and a disciplined defender.
This season, he’s putting up modest numbers while sliding into a supporting role. He helps Minnesota with spacing and postseason experience, but he can’t match the two-way impact McDaniels provides.
Cedric Coward
Coward looks like a long-term upside play. The rookie forward has jumped in quickly, with good rebounding, some encouraging passing reads, and sharp shooting efficiency.
His length and activity show up on defense, and his touch from college has translated. Minnesota would appreciate his versatility, though he’s still in the early stages of his growth.
The 2026 First-Round Pick
The pick gives Minnesota another future asset, but it doesn’t come close to the immediate or long-term value McDaniels offers.