There's no denying that the Memphis Grizzlies are in the midst of a pretty major roster shakeup ahead of the NBA trade deadline.
Memphis has already departed with former Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr., who many expected to stay put with the Grizzlies to serve as the team's new face of the franchise if/when the team moved on from star guard Ja Morant, who's been considered the most anticipated player to be moved ahead of Thursday's trade deadline.
At 26, Jackson Jr. was viewed by many as the team's most vaulable trade asset.
That said, the fact that Jackson was moved days prior to the trade deadline not only suggests the Grizzlies motivation to shakeup the roster, but the team's willingness to make more moves before the clock strikes 0:00.
With names like Vince Williams, John Konchar and Jock Landale being sent to Utah with Jackson and the reports that the Grizzlies now view rookie Cedric Coward and big man Zach Edey as their cornerstone pieces to build around, several teams will be gauging the market on several other players on the roster that Memphis could be looking to deal.
For a team like the Washington Wizards, taking a swing on young talent for a discounted price could be right up their alley.
With a team in the midst of a roster blowup like the Grizzlies, the perfect trade target for the Wizards may be lurking in the shadows as the dust continues to settle.
Wizards should target GG Jackson
The Grizzlies have several intriguing young players on the roster, but with a full reset, it's clear that Memphis' front office don't view the prospects on the roster as players that could help them contend anytime soon.
One player in specific who's been hidden on the depth chart for the Grizzlies is former second-round pick GG Jackson, who impressed during his rookie season in Memphis given the increased playing time he saw in 2023.
Jackson spent one season at South Carolina, where he committed as a five-star recruit. As a raw prospect, many believed that the versatile forward could have been a first-round selection if he stayed in college for one more season, but his one-and-done decision ultimately landing him in Memphis in the second-round.
As a rookie, Jackson stood out, averaging 14.6 points and 4.1 rebounds, while shooting 42.8% from field goal range and 35.7% from beyond the arc in 48 games.
However, over the last two seasons, Jackson has struggled to find consistent minutes with Memphis' roster regaining full health and the head coaching change impacting his spot on the roster.
Despite that, there's no doubt that the 6-foot-9 wing has the type of high upside that would intigue a young team like the Wizards.
Obviously, the Grizzlies could be poised to give Jackson a larger role to prove his abilities with the recent roster shakeup, but if he were to be deemed a player available to be moved, Washington should jump at the chance to land the former Gamecock.