Blockbuster Grizzlies deal opens door for sneaky Spurs trade

A new trade opportunity for the San Antonio Spurs may have just opened up in surprising fashion. The Memphis Grizzlies just dealt All-Star Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Utah Jazz in exchange for a significant haul, a move that no doubt signals the start of a retooling for Memphis.

If they’re blowing things up, then the Spurs could swoop in and snag one of their rumored trade targets, Jaylen Wells, from the rubble.

San Antonio should be calling the Grizzlies about Jaylen Wells

Wells, who’s in his second season in the NBA, would be a fantastic get for the Spurs. He’s a dogged defender with a winner’s mentality who can hit threes at a steady rate.

So far in his sophomore campaign, he’s averaging 11.9 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 0.9 steals while shooting 32.8% from three on 5.1 attempts per game. He’s started 122 of his 127 career games for the Grizzlies, proving he’s viable for big minutes.

It’s easy to picture Wells fitting in with San Antonio’s roster and culture. From Victor Wembanyama to De’Aaron Fox to Stephon Castle, he’d be able to play alongside anybody and buy into all the things that have made the Spurs so successful this year. Wells is also just 22 years old, so he could grow alongside the formidable core the Silver and Black have assembled.

Is Jaylen Wells really available?

Even if they’re moving into a rebuild, the Grizzlies undoubtedly value Wells very highly. As mentioned, he’s 22 years old with an impressive All-Rookie season under his belt and plenty of room left to improve.

To pry Wells away from their divisional rival, the Spurs would have to open up their draft pick cabinet and dish out at least one first-rounder. Wells is making just $1.9 million right now, which San Antonio could only match with Julian Champagnie, Bismack Biyombo, Jordan McLaughlin, or Lindy Waters III, unless they wanted to expand the deal with more players and salary.

Wooing Memphis with draft capital could be the easiest and most effective route to get something done.

If the Spurs can land Jaylen Wells without breaking the bank, they absolutely should. If they’re not going to make a ground-shaking trade for a star, they’d have a hard time finding a better role player upgrade on the market than Wells.