The Memphis Grizzlies just finished a tough 2023-24 NBA season. After winning more than 50 games the previous season, the Grizzlies fell to 27-55 for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, there was Ja Morant’s lengthy ban to begin the season, as well as the numerous injuries.
Marcus Smart to Leave the Memphis Grizzlies?
For all of their struggles, the Grizzlies received the ninth choice in the 2024 NBA Draft. According to Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report, the Grizzlies might trade that pick, along with previous Defensive Player of the Year winner Marcus Smart, to the Houston Rockets in return for Jae’Sean Tate, Jock Landale, and the third overall pick. With that third choice, the Grizzlies might be in position to land two-time NCAA champion Donovan Clingan, who played two seasons for the UConn Huskies.
“If Memphis sees Clingan as a potential starter, that could be enough to push him up the draft board over Marcus Smart, who may not be the shooting danger the Grizzlies want playing alongside Ja Morant. Jock Landale would only be a salary-filler, and while Memphis may not see Jae’Sean Tate as much more than that, he could work his way into a rotation spot.”
Clingan was a force for the Huskies during their two NCAA Tournament championship runs. He has a terrific upside for the Grizzlies’ frontcourt, which already includes Jaren Jackson Jr., and should be an improvement over Lock Landale in the long run.
Clingan averaged 9.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game during two seasons with the Huskies, shooting 64.5% from the field.
