Even in the dull days of the NBA offseason, teams continue to fine-tune their roster. The Memphis Grizzlies utilized the trade machine twice in the last nine days. Similar to Patrick Beverley, Juancho Hernangomez sees himself shipped twice in a short period. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski first reported the move:
Hernangomez gives the Celtics another potential floor-spacer in a bench role; Grizzlies continue to find some value in margins and will continue to be open to deals as franchise manages a roster numbers crunch ahead of 2021-2022 season.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 3, 2021
Memphis gets younger in the trade while also inheriting cap relief. On Boston’s side, the aspiring championship team received a frontcourt option with floor-stretching ability. Both franchises didn’t get exponentially better, but the trade served a purpose.
Edwards, although unproven, has the potential to crack the Grizzlies’ rotation. Last season he played 8.9 minutes per contest in just 31 games. Unlike the championship-striving Celtics, the Memphis Grizzlies fall under playoff contender status but aren’t forcing the issue. It seems Memphis is taking its time building a perennial postseason threat.
?JUANNNCHOOOO@juanchiviris41‘s first points with the squad ? pic.twitter.com/rapl9w6o1M
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) February 9, 2020
Hernangomez averaged 7 points in 17 minutes of action for the Minnesota Timberwolves last season. The Celtics now have four frontcourt options on the depth chart for this upcoming season.
As the NBA season’s tips off next month, further trades bubble in the rumor mill. Follow Def Pen Sports for the latest NBA news.
