By Anthony Caruso III
Posted: January 8th, 2014 at 1:35 AM EST
The Memphis Grizzlies are one of the best teams in the NBA. Yet, they’re looking to make improvements for the upcoming stretch run of the season.
The Grizz currently hold a 25-10 record, the best in the Southeast Division. They trail the Golden State Warriors (28-5) and the Portland TrailBlazers (27-8) in the Western Conference.
They are reportedly interested in trading for Boston Celtics forward Jeff Green, or Miami Heat forward Luol Deng. Both players have long-term deals, and Deng signed with the Heat during the off-season.
Green is signed through the 2015-16 season, which is a player option. He’s due $8.9 million this season, then $9.4 million in 2014-15 and the same amount during the player option.
Deng signed a two-year, $20 million deal with the Heat. He’s also coming off of a game, where he scored just six points with one rebound and three assists in 25 minutes on January 4th against the Brooklyn Nets.
With the Celtics rebuilding, it is more likely that Green will be dealt than Deng. He’s also been linked to trades since the summer time, but nothing has materialized.
Green had just eight points, one rebound, two assists, and a steal on Wednesday night. With a trade involving Green, it would allow James Young, Marcus Smart, and Evan Turner to get more playing time.
This season, Green has played in 32 games and is averaging 17.9 points per game. He’s also averaging 4.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 0.8 steals.
The 28-year-old Green has been with the Celtics for the past four seasons following a trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder, where he began his career.
The 29-year-old Deng is averaging 14.3 points in 33 games. He’s also averaging 4.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.2 steals.
Dang began his career with the Chicago Bulls, before a trade to the Cleveland Cavaliers last year.
The Capital Sports Report 