1. Memphis Grizzlies
The final team on this list is one that is a complete shock to be in playoff contention in the West at this point of the regular season. And the Chicago Bulls could be in a position to help out the Memphis Grizzlies. The Bulls and the Grizzlies share similar records, but one could be a seller and the other a buyer at the trade deadline.
The Grizzlies are keeping afloat thanks to the solid production of their rookie-sophomore point guard (or “point god” as he likes to call himself) and forward duo that is Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. Morant and Jackson Jr. are coming along a lot faster than most expected them too. And with all the injury troubles that Zion Williamson is dealing with this season, Morant is the far and away favorite right now to win Rookie of the Year honors.
As of the afternoon of Jan. 13, the Grizzlies are tied with the San Antonio Spurs for the final spot in the playoff picture in the West. The Grizzlies hold a record of 18-22, which is good for the same winning percentage as the Spurs. But the Spurs have played in two less games. Thanks to an offense that is playing better than anticipated (17th in NBA in offensive rating and eighth in points per game), the Grizzlies are in a good spot heading into the back half of the regular season.
However, while the Grizzlies are proficient in three-point shooting so far this season, there’s still room for improvement. They’re hitting on around 36 percent of their three-point attempts this season, good to slot just outside the top 10 in the NBA. But landing a 38 or 39 percent three-point shooter like Valentine could bolster their floor spacing and versatility of the offense.