Two NBA Trade Targets for Memphis Grizzlies to Address Injury Concerns

The Memphis Grizzlies could turn to the trade market to bring in frontcourt depth

Dec 23, 2024; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Santi Aldama (7), forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (13), guard Ja Morant (12), guard Desmond Bane (22) and forward Jaylen Wells (0) huddle during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images | Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

The Memphis Grizzlies undoubtedly have the talent to compete in the Western Conference, led by a star duo of Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., but their X-factor is their health. Morant has played just 59 games over the past two seasons, but they have growing injury concerns in their frontcourt, which is a more pressing issue.

In the 2025 offseason, the Grizzlies' starting frontcourt duo of Jackson Jr. and Zach Edey both underwent surgery, while backup big man Brandon Clarke recovers from a PCL sprain from last season.

Both Jaren Jackson Jr. and Zach Edey may not be ready for opening night, and Brandon Clarke is coming off his 2nd severe lower body injury in as many years. The Grizzlies need a big man to close this offseason

— Parker Fleming (@PAKA_FLOCKA) July 2, 2025

If the Grizzlies are still concerned about their frontcourt injuries, or if more injury concerns arise early into their 2025-26 campaign, the franchise could turn to the trade market to bring in depth.

Here are two potential trade targets for the Grizzlies to help bring in some much-needed frontcourt depth:

Nick Richards

Mar 7, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Phoenix Suns center Nick Richards (2) before the game against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

The Phoenix Suns traded for Nick Richards in January, but after adding Mark Williams through trade and rookie Khaman Maluach with the tenth pick in the draft, his time with the team could be nearing its end.

Richards, 27, is a seven-foot big man who has averaged 9.5 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per game over the past two seasons with the Charlotte Hornets and Suns. Richards is entering the final season of a three-year, $15 million contract and is set to make $5 million in the 2025-26 season.

Richards is a prime trade candidate and would be the ideal backup center to have behind Edey, with or without injury concerns.

Obi Toppin

Jun 19, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Obi Toppin (1) reacts after a play against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half of game six of the 2025 NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images | Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

If the Grizzlies do not want to add a true center to help out their frontcourt, then they could lean more toward a player of Obi Toppin's caliber. While Toppin is not necessarily on the trade block, the Pacers have so many question marks heading into the 2025-26 season with Tyrese Haliburton out for the year, that they could resort to looking for trades.

Toppin, 27, has revived his career in Indiana after an up-and-down first three seasons with the New York Knicks. Through two seasons in Indiana, the 6-foot-9 forward has averaged 10.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game with 55.1/38.3/77.6 shooting splits.

Toppin would be a very intriguing addition in Memphis, giving them a more dynamic power forward behind Jackson Jr., although he is a more expensive option than Richards. Toppin is entering the second season of a four-year, $58 million deal, but he could be part of the Grizzlies' new-look long-term core if this were to happen.